Silver Atena is significantly supporting the extraordinary comfort of the SUV-trendsetter Mercedes-Benz GLE thanks to its ECU for the electro-hydraulic actuator of the chassis – the Intelligent eQualizer. The interconnected, active hydraulic chassis control on 48-volt basis is combined with the equally newly developed air suspension, resulting in a unique system, thanks to the use of high-performance electronics. The electronic control device from Silver Atena, leading supplier for electronic safety systems and power electronics, transforms the requirements of the chassis, the vehicle electrical system and the functional safety in a highly dynamic manner. In combination with the other components of the chassis, this allows an extra-ordinary driving comfort   

The control device from Silver Atena regulates the oil pump in the hydraulic damper system from Rausch & Pausch (RAPA), an expert for vents and mechatronical systems based in the Upper Franconian, Germany. The engine-pump-unit, developed by RAPA for the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE, was awarded with the Daimler Special Award for Innovation in 2019.

How the control unit works

A stereo camera recognizes the characteristics of the road and the central chassis control unit calculates the adjustments to the electro-hydraulic pumps in real time. The hydraulic system then generates dynamic forces, which are overlaid with the forces of the air suspension and actively support and dampen the vehicle structure at each individual wheel, counter-acting to uneven road surfaces. 

The control device from Silver Atena highly dynamically controls the motor speed of the pump. This enables the detection and correction of rolling, pitching and lifting movements in the vehicle. 

Exceptional comfort with high agility: 

The active chassis is available as a special equipment option for all engines starting from the six-cylinder. The system can also recuperate, meaning energy is fed back into the on-board power system when the suspension is compressed. Another new function is the override mode: For example, if the GLE has become stuck in a sand dune, this can help get the vehicle unstuck again. If possible, this is achieved by automatically raising and lowering the level multiple times, which changes the pressure of the tyres on the ground and improves traction – allowing the GLE to wiggle itself free.

The control device of Silver Atena is an example of the company’s innovative electronic systems, developed for customers and partners. Looking ahead to the future, Silver Atena is already working on control systems for 400-volt and 800-volt systems, for use in electric vehicles, which makes the company a pioneer in this field.

Image: Control device to regulate the motor of the Intelligent eQualizer in the pro-active chassis of the new Mercedes-Benz GLE

 

Contact:
Jörn Kroschel
Silver Atena GmbH
Dachauer Str. 655
80995 Munich, Germany
Phone: +49 89 189600-0
info@silver-atena.de
www.silver-atena.de

 

Silver Atena is a development partner and supplier of prototypes and small series in the area of safety-relevant systems and power electronics. As a leading, independent supplier in the automotive, aerospace, renewable energies and industrial sector Silver Atena offers solutions and variable business models to generate maximum benefits for customers. Around 300 employees work for the company in Germany. First-class development and consulting competence, highly qualified employees, as well as excellent reference projects enable the company to win over the most important companies in their target industries.