Hippo
Lord Hippo
For many years now we Freelander 1 owners have suffered with VCU problems. Things should have got betterer with the Freelander 2's electrically engaged rear diff, but that has had problems too. I stumbled across this some time ago when the video first came out, and can't help thinking it could provide a good solution to fix our treasured 4x4's.
The video below is one of many LR produced showing the design and technology of the Evoque. Part of a clever mass advertising campaign on the web. The link jumps to the bit where they explain how the adaptive suspension works. It uses a technology called MagneRide which uses a magneto rheological fluid (oil like) which has bits of metal (think small iron filings) suspended in it. When an electro magnet is placed near to it the viscosity of the fluid changes from soft to firm. The demonstration shows the difference when a permanent magnet is placed next to 2 syringes which pass the fluid between each other. The magnet makes it harder for the stiffer solution to travel between syringes.
This would be an ideal replacement solution for a VCU. The HCU would be a VCU (with the usual plates inside) filled with the magneto rheological fluid and an electro magnet located near it. At the flick of a switch drive to the rear wheels would be engaged. Hence enabling 4x4 drive when we need it. It would also be possible to vary the stiffness across the HCU by varying the current supplied to the electro magnet to allow for a smooth lockup of the HCU, to reduce transmission shock when 4x4 drive is engaged. This would also allow a partial 4x4 system with a reduced torque applied to the rear wheels for road use, if required. A signal from the traction control system could activate the electro magnet to "lockup" the HCU when 4x4 drive was required.
No real moving parts.
Electrically operated using magnetism.
Possible to vary the stiffness across the HCU by varying the current to the electro magnet to allow partial 4x4 drive to rear wheels.
The video below is one of many LR produced showing the design and technology of the Evoque. Part of a clever mass advertising campaign on the web. The link jumps to the bit where they explain how the adaptive suspension works. It uses a technology called MagneRide which uses a magneto rheological fluid (oil like) which has bits of metal (think small iron filings) suspended in it. When an electro magnet is placed near to it the viscosity of the fluid changes from soft to firm. The demonstration shows the difference when a permanent magnet is placed next to 2 syringes which pass the fluid between each other. The magnet makes it harder for the stiffer solution to travel between syringes.
This would be an ideal replacement solution for a VCU. The HCU would be a VCU (with the usual plates inside) filled with the magneto rheological fluid and an electro magnet located near it. At the flick of a switch drive to the rear wheels would be engaged. Hence enabling 4x4 drive when we need it. It would also be possible to vary the stiffness across the HCU by varying the current supplied to the electro magnet to allow for a smooth lockup of the HCU, to reduce transmission shock when 4x4 drive is engaged. This would also allow a partial 4x4 system with a reduced torque applied to the rear wheels for road use, if required. A signal from the traction control system could activate the electro magnet to "lockup" the HCU when 4x4 drive was required.
No real moving parts.
Electrically operated using magnetism.
Possible to vary the stiffness across the HCU by varying the current to the electro magnet to allow partial 4x4 drive to rear wheels.
Last edited:
