Torsion Suspension with Activated Inertia Damper

Chilton, Bronwen; Irving, Elliot; Doggart, Eli; Sperry, Jakob

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Torsion Suspension with Activated Inertia Damper

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Off-road longboards require a light, compact, and capable suspension system in order to handle varied terrain with a small wheel diameter. The computer activation of the suspension through a brushless DC motor damper allows the skateboard to adapt its damping profile and even regenerate energy that is usually lost to heat. The goal of this project was to design, manufacture, and test a novel suspension on a longboard scale with active damping capable of recapturing energy. This goal was achieved through a capstan slider mechanism that translates vertical suspension travel into rotational motion at the motor and a soft bottoming-out profile without damaging the torsion bar. The team achieved this goal and developed a potential plan for future testing and design.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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