EASE (Electrically Adaptive Suspension Element) is comprised of three major sub-systems, these being the electromagnetic Coaxial linear (EMCL) actuator, the Adaptive Feedback Network, and the Thermal Management System. The EMCL actuator is designed for use as the active suspension element of a combat vehicle. The EMCL actuator is particularly suited to this adaptive architecture because the actuator is completely linear over its long travel, and has excellent frequency response, force and travel characteristics. The EMCL actuator is a hybrid brush-fed synchronous DC linear motor consisting of a helical conductor making up the bore of the cylinder and the mechanical support of the cylinder provided by an iron/fiberglass composite shell. The actuator will mount to a support frame in a manner similar to a conventional hydraulic actuator or snubber. The piston of the actuator consists of permanent magnet/black iron modules that provide thrust for actuation. The movement of the EMCL piston causes the actuator to distend or compress depending opon vehicle requirements. A set of bore guides is used to stabilize the piston in the bore while the bore guides also serve as an electrical conduit providing power to the piston and bore conductor. The basic design of the EMCL actuator is very similar to the electromagnetic actuator used for a torpedo countermeasures launcher that was designed, fabricated and successfully tested under a DARPA funded launcher effort. The proposed SBIR phase I work includes design, fabrication and testing for a complete EASE system which includes a computer controlled adaptive feedback network, electromagnetic coaxial linear actuator, power supply and power conditioning.
