Electromechanical shock absorber eROT: how it works

The content of the article:

• What is eROT
• Device
• Scheme
• Principle of operation
• Pros and cons

Electromechanical rotary shock absorber eROT (electromechanical rotary dampers) - allows you to accumulate additional electricity while driving, for the subsequent extension of the range of electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles. Such a system, called eROT, is now installed on two types of Audi vehicles.

The system has already proven itself well, thereby expanding the possibilities of long-distance installation on other car brands. Let's consider in more detail the device, the principle of operation and the main nuances of such a mechanism.

What are electromechanical shock absorbers

It is impossible to explain in one word what an eROT electromechanical rotary shock absorber is, since it is a set of mechanisms that allows you to generate and store electricity. The eROT mechanism is based on the previously known regenerative braking system. In more detail, the main task of such a mechanism is to generate additional electricity for the car in order to extend the electric range as much as possible.

As with the regenerative braking system, the eROT electromechanical swing damper system uses the same operating principle and mechanism, only in a smaller version. Instead of kinematic energy generated at the moment of braking, eROT uses the energy of the suspension, more precisely its reaction to potholes, bumps and other potholes. Such a suspension will not only be able to extend the range and save energy, but also reduce CO2 emissions for hybrid vehicles, about 3 grams per kilometer.

How the eROT mechanism works

If we compare the device of eROT electromechanical rotary shock absorbers with traditional types of suspension of modern cars (MacPherson or multi-link), then the differences are significant and are visible even to an inexperienced car enthusiast. The main difference is in the shock absorbers, as they include a huge number of mechanisms and functions. Conventional shock absorbers can adjust the maximum stiffness electronically.

All movement of the eROT mechanism begins with a lever that transmits the vertical vibration of the wheel to an electromechanical pivot shock absorber. The latter, in turn, consists of a gear reducer, which makes the generator rotate inside the shock absorber. Further, the generated electricity is transferred to a lithium-ion storage battery and stored until the required moment. At first glance, everything looks quite simple, but in fact the mechanism is very complex. Often it is installed on the rear axle of the car, although the option of installing it on the front axle of the car is not excluded.

According to the manufacturer, at the moment the car moves, with the eROT electromechanical pivot shock absorbers on a flat surface, the system can produce 3 kW of electricity. When driving on poor surface or completely off-road, the power generation is 613 watts. The car can use the energy reserve in the battery to accelerate the engine or to power the on-board instruments (dimensions, illumination of individual elements, etc.).

EROT shock absorber diagram

The photo shows the eROT mechanism from Audi

1. vertical movement of the wheel;
2. a mechanism for rotating the generator;
3. generator of electricity;
4. gearbox for generator rotation;
5. Li-ion 48 V battery.

The principle of operation of the eROT swivel shock absorbers

Having considered the main purpose of the eROT electromechanical rotary shock absorber, as well as the main features, it is worthwhile to understand in more detail the principle of operation. All the work of the mechanism begins with the reciprocating movement of the wheel hub, it is she who makes all other mechanisms move and work.

After the start of the movement of the stupa, energy is transferred to the shock absorber lever, which in turn transfers it to the gear reducer. Due to the device and special parts, the gearbox processes and transforms all energy into rotary motion. The next stage of operation of the eROT electromechanical pivot shock absorbers is the conversion of rotational motion into electricity, for this the engineers used a generator that is connected to a gearbox. Due to the simple structure of the gears, the rotational movement is transmitted in only one direction, due to which a unidirectional rotation is obtained. After generating electricity with the help of a generator, it is stored in a lithium-ion battery, where it gradually accumulates. It is clear that many sensors, mechanisms and other small controllers are responsible for the level of generation, storage and transmission of electricity, but in a generalized and simplified form it looks like this. When an urgent need arises, the car's system automatically begins to use the stored electricity. The battery of such a system is usually 48 volts. It is this on-board network that since 2017 has been widely implemented by Audi in its vehicles, in particular hybrid cars and electric vehicles.

The development of eROT electromechanical swivel shock absorbers allows for significant modifications to the suspension and an increase in the vehicle's power reserve. Due to the device of this type of shock absorber and by changing the load on the generator, the stiffness of the suspension can be changed. According to experts, this type of suspension is much softer and reacts minimally to uneven road surfaces. Accordingly, the comfort and safety of the car is also at a height.

Advantages and disadvantages of eROT shock absorbers

As with any mechanism, eROT electromechanical pivot shock absorbers have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let's consider them in more detail:

The basis and not unimportant plus of the eROT electromechanical rotary shock absorbers is that they can automatically adapt to the road surface conditions or to the driver's driving style. It is likely that the new eROT pros and cons will show the pros and cons.

According to the studies of various standardization offices and specialists, the results inspire confidence in order to be installed on serial hybrid cars and electric vehicles in the future. The manufacturer has not yet specified the full cost of parts for eROT electromechanical swivel shock absorbers, but according to some sources, only the generator itself will cost about $50-100, the battery will cost about $300... Considering which premium cars this system is installed on, you should not count on cheaper parts. In addition to Audi cars, a similar system can be found on Volvo, Toyota and Mazda cars.