RESEARCH VEHICLE FOR ACTIVE SAFETY

Applications with V-methodology: active suspension

Active safety systems in vehicles, such as an active suspension, are very complex mechatronic systems. For product developers, it is important that this complexity is managed and that safety is ensured within a short development timeframe.

Public Results ReVAS

Goals

With this project, we want to really master the V-model as well as state-of-the-art processes and techniques with regard to functional safety, among others through the development and practical application of a new active suspension system. The V-model is a developing method that can support the complexity and offers a good balance in its focus on both development and verification, whereby the system must meet the pre-set requirements for each step of the integration process.

Methodology

We integrate the active suspension and test it in a driving vehicle. A good assessment of the forces subjected to the wheels and an intelligent suspension control system will lead to improvements in comfort and vehicle dynamics. We make use of a powerful computer that can process the different sensor signals in complex algorithms.

Phases

We run through the V-model four times in a controlled iteration process:

Analysis of specifications, system architecture, component specifications, implementation, system integration and test management
Hazards and risk analysis
Study of the integrity of the safety system and defining the safety criteria
Efficient optimisation of software functions in a virtual environment

We benchmark the system against the most advanced systems available on the market.

Results

Experience in applying the V-model
Experience in applying state-of-the-art processes and techniques with regard to functional safety, among others for defining the safety criterium for the active suspension system
Test vehicle in which the active suspension is integrated successfully

Project Duration

01/04/2008 - 01/04/2010

Core competencies

Functional vehicle safety
Driveability and vehicle control
Intelligent vehicle energy systems
Efficiency in vehicle system development

Partners

With the support of