Lighter stabiliser bar from BWI

The BWI group has a product portfolio split between ride and handling technologies and braking technologies. BWI acquired the business of Delphi Chassis systems in November of 2009. The company has developed a lighter and more compact version of its Active Stabiliser Bar Systems (ASBS). The ASBS setup was originally developed for large SUVs. The system reduced compromise between ride quality and sharp handling traits. 

Technological advances in optimisation of components and system actuators has resulted in the development of a much smaller and lighter product which is 15% lighter than the previous system means the system can now be packaged onto a much smaller size product which will allow it to be used on smaller cars and sports cars. BWI has also developed a new rotary actuator that will go into series production for use in SUVs in 2012. 

“BWI Group’s range of active stabiliser bar systems now offers manufacturers even greater packaging freedom, making it easier to achieve the optimum installation. Our production experience has allowed us to scale down much of the original system for smaller vehicles that do not require the torque or extensive wheel travel of an off-roader or large SUV,” said Olivier Raynauld, BWI Group’s manager, Forward Engineering Controlled Suspensions.

The anti-roll bar is split in the middle by BWI’s Active Stabiliser Bar. There is a computer controlled actuator integrated into the anti-roll bar which applies anti-roll torque opposed to lateral acceleration to help reduce body roll. It improves cornering stability by reducing roll angle and managing tyre to road interface. The new computer controlled ASBS system vehicle roll angle and roll velocity inputs allowing the springs and dampers of the car to deal with just the vertical movements of the car. There are a range of single and twin channel actuators manufactured by BWI that can control oversteer and understeer behaviour of a vehicle. 

The BWI group supplies its range of chassis control technologies, ESP systems, ABS systems and variable damping systems to manufacturers all over the world. The Range Rover Sport uses BWI’s ASBS actuators and hydraulic control modules.