Vibracoustic starts making smart air spring system

The units are designed to resolve the issue of the conflicting objectives of comfort and driving dynamics, said a 27 Feb company release.

The design uses ‘intelligent controls’ to switch individual air chambers on and off, setting the air springs to one of four different stiffnesses levels to suit different driving conditions.

The stiffness of the valve-controlled springs can be altered during the trip to specifically influence vehicle handling, according to Vibracoustic’s press statement.

The Darmstadt-based company added that it has already supplied the pressurised-air devices for use in a new SUV range of an unnamed German premium car maker.

Going forward, Vibracoustic said it will also provide switchable air springs in dual-chamber systems.

While these systems can only offer two different stiffness levels, the corresponding regulation also enables effective roll stabilisation, the company explained.

“Vibracoustic thus also aims to meet customer demands for improved comfort and driving dynamics in mid-range vehicles,” said its statement