Research on the design and characteristics of a new type of magnetic levitation spring

Abstract. A design method for a vehicle vibration reduction system based on permanent magnetic springs was developed in response to the issue of electric vehicle transmission dampers failing to effectively absorb energy, resulting in inadequate damping and reduced comfort. This method employs repulsive forces between aligned permanent magnets to replace the traditional spring support of the vehicle, generating a damping force through the axial movement of the magnets and the tube. A numerical model describing the repulsive force of the magnetic suspension spring was established, elucidating the impact of the gap between magnets on the repulsive force. The reliability of the mathematical model was verified through repulsion force experiments, and potential sources of error were analyzed. A 6-degrees-of-freedom test rig was constructed, and results indicate that compared with the non-conductor shell, the damping ratio of the magnetic levitation spring increased by about 103.69 % when a conductor shell was added, effectively dissipating oscillation energy. Finally, comprehensive vehicle experiments were conducted using an electric vehicle model. Vibration tests under various road conditions, based on human comfort evaluation standards, showed that the magnetic suspension spring significantly reduces vibrations, leading to a notable enhancement of human comfort. These results validate the proposed method and provide a theoretical basis for the design of permanent magnetic spring vibration reduction systems.