The Mechatronic revolution is just about to begin. Just months ago the system was victorious in the World Superbike... now Öhlins aims for the aftermarket.
Mechatronics
Mechanical and Electronics Engineering (Mechatronics) is the combination of mechanical engineering, electronic engineering and Computer engineering. The purpose of this interdisciplinary engineering field is the study of automata from an engineering perspective and serves the purposes of controlling advanced hybrid systems. The word itself is a portmanteau of 'Mechanics' and 'Electronics'.
Once in a while Öhlins Racing takes a monumental step into a new chapter in terms of advanced suspension technology. When the Swedish suspension manufacturer introduced the TTX technology in the beginning of the 21st century it was a major move into a completely new direction of suspension design and function. 2008 will be remembered as the year when Öhlins Racing took the step into the Mechatronic era.
A dream comes true
Already in 1984 Öhlins Racing got its first patent concerning electronically controlled suspension and it took just about twenty years before the technique was accepted and introduced in the premium automotive segment with car manufacturers such as Audi, Ford, Mercedes, Volvo, VW and BMW.
A limited series of electronically controlled suspension was introduced in the beginning of the 21st century on the Yamaha RX 10 snowmobile and some BMW touring bikes have also been installed with electronically maneuvered suspension but only in a very limited edition.
But in the hallways of the R&D department the word mechatronics was hot and Öhlins Racing had a goal to introduce this new technique before the end of 2008, a task that was accomplished when rider Noriyuki Haga took a double podium win in World Superbike at Vallelunga on the 21st of September, riding on the new mechatronic system that goes under the name TTX EC.
TTX EC
The technique is quite brilliant and the R&D Department has put a lot of thought into the new TTX EC parts. One of the initial challenges was to build a system that can be retrofitted onto all TTX street shocks.
You can actually remove the standard valves from a TTX shock and insert the small stepper motor that will alter the clicker settings electronically in fixed steps maneuvered from a panel, or automatically via a continuous feed of information from a ECU.
“There is no end to the possibilities and the range of use is extremely wide”, Öhlins Racing Vice President Johnny Bräster declares.
“This is not a separate business area but a completely new technology to be used in all areas where this function can assist and improve the quality and comfort for our customers”, Johnny then adds.
Motorcycle Product manager Magnus Eriksson assures us that this new technique will be available on the aftermarket, but that it will take a while before it becomes a bargain for the rider on the street.
“First of all I would like to say that our initial tests clearly gives an improved riding experience, and you do not need to be Haga or Rossi to feel the difference. As in all of Öhlins Racing’s earlier technological advancements we start off in the premium racing divisions and shortly after we move into the aftermarket segment with a very limited production. The products will increase in volume and the price will fall as a consequence and that will snowball the price cuts and in the end we can offer a state-of-the-art product for the man on the street to a competitive price”. .
Who makes the TTX EC package?
All components of the TTX EC are designed here and of course the most important thing of all: the algorithms.
“The electronics are all easy to replicate in some way but the real asset is more than thirty years of racing experience and suspension set-up that we have procured. We are now taking the step from shim stacks to algorithms but the end result will remain the same – top function and performance”, Magnus declares.
Will TTX EC replace CES in the future?
-”TTX EC and CES are actually two completely different techniques. To describe it in a really easy way the TTX EC works as a remote control that regulates the compression and rebound settings on your shock absorber or your front fork in fixed steps just as your regular mechanical valves. You can either have stepper motor or a CES valve connected to the TTX EC unit to do the job instead.
A CES system on the other hand is based on a solenoid technique with a magnetic field that controls a valve via a never ending flow of information from a CPU. The flow of the hydraulic fluid can be altered within milliseconds and the CES valve has a very wide setting area. The TTX EC on the other hand reacts much slower (0,5 seconds reaction time) and the area of use is within the traditional clicker settings. So the answer is that they will live on side by side.”
Öhlins in 2013… ?
Give me your opinion on the TTX EC technique in five years time, Johnny!
- “In five years time we have a wide range of applications within all business areas where the technique really helps the customer. The mechatronic solution works really well with the TTX technology today because the twin tube design creates a lot of suspension fluid that flows through the valves, and as a consequence the result will be more apparent when the TTX EC unit is installed. Already today we are courted by manufacturers that want to learn more and we will soon have some sort of cooperation with strong brands that will help us push up the production volumes and that will affect the retail price in the end”.
Mechatronics is a word to remember. The future of electronically controlled suspension is here and Checkpoint Öhlins will keep you updated with the latest news on the web.