Delphi Launches Next Generation Advanced Roll-Control System

A new Active Stabiliser Bar System (ASBS) is being developed by Delphi Corp. Delphi claims the system is the first to provide continuous across-centre control and is 60 percent lighter and around 65 percent more compact than the previous generation system.

Delphi's ASBS technology splits the stabiliser bar in the middle, allowing a computer-controlled actuator to apply a variable level of torque to each end. When the vehicle is travelling in a straight line, the system effectively de-couples the stabiliser bars from the vehicle, substantially improving ride comfort and allowing up to 88 degrees of free stabiliser bar rotation for greater wheel articulation. In a corner, anti roll torque is instantly applied and can be optimised for any driving condition in just 20ms.

The key innovation of this third generation technology is a new hydraulic control system. Delphi's patented continuous pressure control system eliminates the need to switch the direction in which pressure is applied and by maintaining a constant small on-centre pressure to improve steering feel and response. Switching noise is eliminated and two channel control allows component sharing front-to-rear and the integration of different control calibrations for comfort and sport modes. Because it is active (i.e., it can apply force to the suspension), the system can also be used to tune roll damping.

"With Generation 3, we can tune the steering feel and dynamic behaviour via the roll-control system and change the response as vehicle speed increases," adds development manager Olivier Raynauld. "For example, we can provide oversteer at low speeds to give sharp, agile handling in towns, with subtle levels of understeer at high speeds to increase safety and provide a feeling of sure-footed security for the driver."

Other innovations throughout the system, including new techniques for attaching the roll bars to the actuators. Delphi expects to enter production with a linear actuator system in 2011 and with a rotary actuator system in 2012, both for European customers.