Types and characteristics of common automotive shock absorber

1.Divided by damping material angle

Hydraulic type:

Hydraulic shock absorbers are widely used in automotive suspension systems. The principle is that when the frame and axle move back and forth relative to each other, the piston moves back and forth in the cylinder of the shock absorber, and the oil in the shock absorber housing repeatedly flows into another cavity through some narrow pores. At this point, the friction between the liquid and the inner wall, as well as the internal friction of liquid molecules, form a damping force on the vibration.

Hydraulic shock absorber features:

(1) Damping oil has a low boiling point and is sensitive to high temperatures;

(2) Daily driving use;

(3) Emphasize driving comfort;

(4) Urban use, suitable for short distance travel;

Pneumatic type:

Pneumatic shock absorber is a new type of shock absorber developed since the 1960s. Its structural feature is that a floating piston is installed at the lower part of the cylinder, and high-pressure nitrogen gas is filled in a closed chamber formed by the floating piston and one end of the cylinder. A large section O-ring seal is installed on the floating piston, which completely separates oil and gas. The working piston is equipped with compression valves and extension valves that change the cross-sectional area of the channel according to the speed of movement. When the wheels bounce up and down, the working piston of the shock absorber performs reciprocating motion in the oil, causing a pressure difference between the upper and lower chambers of the working piston. The pressure oil then pushes open the compression valve and the extension valve and flows back and forth. Due to the significant damping force generated by the valve on the pressure oil, the vibration is attenuated.

Characteristics of pneumatic suspension:

(1) High pressure air is insensitive to temperature;

(2) Suitable for sports and racing driving;

(3) Clear road feel and good handling;

(4) Suitable for long-distance driving;