Automotive parts supplier BWI Group has created an automated active roll-control solution.
In the newest iteration of its semi-active roll control (SARC) system, the company has added an “automatic mode” that allows the anti-roll bar to disengage and re-engage as needed, even when the vehicle is traveling at speed.
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The Chinese company said the new mode responds to rising pressures on chassis design as European fleets shift toward heavier SUVs and battery-electric vehicles.
These models typically weigh more than internal combustion engine vehicles.
According to the group, the added mass often forces engineers to fit stiffer stabiliser bars to preserve handling, a move that can compromise ride comfort.
The revised SARC system is intended to reduce that compromise by allowing a softer baseline configuration in everyday driving, while re-engaging the bar when additional roll control is required.
Its control unit evaluates steering angle, vehicle speed, lateral acceleration, and yaw rate to determine when reconnection is necessary, the company said in the press statement.
During high-speed cornering, it completes the process in under 200 milliseconds, the company claims.
The mechanism relies on a compact rotary actuator and a self-contained hydraulic module that can operate even when the wheels are unevenly articulated.
Automatic self-centring through EZ-Latch technology is designed to ensure reliable engagement across the full range of suspension movement.
According to the company, SARC is already fitted to several vehicle platforms globally, most recently on models in the Tank line-up from Great Wall Motor, where it supports both on-road stability and off-road use.
BWI Group engineering manager Bruno Perree said: “The latest update to SARC removes that compromise, allowing engineers to optimise the roll bar purely for handling as it will be disconnected the majority of the time. This not only improves comfort but also adds significant off-road capability, which can be a key competitive differentiator in a crowded SUV market.”
BWI Group said adding the automated function is expected to broaden adoption of the system among SUV and electric-vehicle programmes as manufacturers look to manage growing vehicle weights without sacrificing ride quality.
