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.

:D
 
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"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 bit that concerns me is under the "no real working parts bit."

Electrically operated and varying the current.

It suggests an ecu of some sort and wiring in an hostile environment.

Something that does not seem to work well on Landrovers.

Oh yeah.How much will it cost.
 
I VOLUNTEER!

Seriously Hippo that's a fooking stonking idea. I'd be well up for seeing if we can make that work, maybe talk to Bell about getting different fluid in there. But it can't be hard to rig up a eletcro magnetic coil, maybe mounted to the VCU damper. GENIUS!!
 
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Very interesting theory. I would be looking for something very simple ie. on or off to get out of trouble. Watching the vids reminds me that the Evoque and FL1 are from different centuries. Wonder what they will be like to own and run in 10 years. I suspect expensive.
 
Oops! Go back a few years! Alfa Romeo 33 permanent 4. It had an electromagnetic clutch to engage the 4x4 linked to the traction ECU and a viscous coupling! Keep the vcu but make 4x4 selectable? I spoke to Bell engineering about it cos he was after a way to disconnect the 4x4 on a rally freelander to allow handbrake turns!!! Just a thought:D
 
My brother in law happens to own two! Plus I'm ex Alfa Romeo from many years ago:D cloverleaf cars old basing!
 
Hmmm would having deselectable 4x4 be any use to us if we're still using a VCU? I can see the attraction of having an electronic locking diff, but if there's a VCU involved aren't we still at the mercy of the different rear diff ratio?
 
Couldn't find it on the web when I searched. Oh well...

Replies to some questions:

Electronics can be very reliable if the circuit is well biased with good manufacturing processes. The moving parts would be the 2x inputs to the HCU connecting the props and the disks (or whatever they is) inside the current VCU. The disks could fek up but I would guess they would help to assist the liquid stiffening up process as the liquid would form around them creating a solid mass.

Designing this would be in a totally different league to a recon VCU. The balance of the amount of liquid needed, required torque transfer and activation limits of the liquid would need to be sorted out. This would either need a lot of trial and error or scientific help to kick start it. Would be a lot easier if we had access to LR’s test facility. Access to some of that magneto rheological liquid would be a big help. I think the only access we would get is to buy the Evoque suspension parts and drain them oft.

The Evoque is a very clever vehicle. The technology will spread across other models within a few years. It’s a bit like when the FL1 came out with HDC. They let the FL1 have it first as a selling point, then spread it across other LR products. Launched at the right time too.

My vote is LR should look into this and give me a reward like a job with them or a FL2.
 
I think the only access we would get is to buy the Evoque suspension parts and drain them oft.

Sounds like a plan :hysterically_laughi

It would be a big job to be sure, but not insurmountable perhaps :). Perhaps, maybe, we could ask LR real nice if they'd give us any info or just....anyfink. God knows we've put enough coin in their pocket over the years!
 

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