Vibracoustic launches air springs system with electric control unit

Darmstadt, Germany — Vibracoustic has developed a switchable, three-chamber air springs system with actively controlled shock absorbers for SUVs.

The system features an electric control unit and software that integrates the system components with the full vehicle system, the company said in a 17 Nov statement.

The system was developed for a "sporty SUV of a European premium car brand," Vibracoustic said.

"(The springs) can switch individual air chambers on and off and ... allow the stiffness of the springs to be doubled over four different settings—from soft to stiff," the company said. 

"The Vibracoustic ECU ... actively controls the shock absorbers regarding jounce and rebound individually by controlling all eight shock absorber valves.

Air spring suspensions have grown more popular because they offer improved comfort and "optimised driving dynamics," the company said. 

The suspensions can keep the vehicle at a constant level, raise and lower the ride height to tackle a wide range of terrain or adjust the degree of stiffness, depending on the driving situation.

"The system perfectly fits the needs of our customer to realise an outstanding off-road performance while securing the dynamic and sporty performance of the premium SUV," Vibracoustic CTO Joerg Boecking said.