Optimized Ride Control of Heavy Vehicles with Intelligent Suspension Control

Shock absorber tuning has become an important part in today's ride development of commercial vehicles. With dampers conventionally only capable of one damping characteristic for different operating conditions (load, speed, road) this is leading to a compromise in ride quality and safety.

This paper describes the benefits of two different intelligent damping control systems for trucks, buses and trailers. The shock absorbers are controlled either electronically or pneumatically. Results are presented showing that with such a system, ride safety and comfort, cargo protection and road friendliness will be improved.