Technology & competence

Intelligent damping in all situations

Continuous Damping Control (CDC) calculates all forces required from the shock absorbers as a function of the vehicle load and the nature of the road. It does this for braking and accelerating, on bends or on gradients.

A control unit, the system's brain, electromagnetically regulates a proportional valve which determines the flow rate of the oil in the damper. If a higher voltage is present at the valve, the opening in the damper is made smaller. The oil flows more slowly and the damping is "harder". The system calculates and regulates the damping force every 25 milliseconds and thus constantly records the entire driving situation.

Height and pressure sensors in the vehicle supply the data for the calculations. The CAN bus also supplies the damper control system with information; speed, retardation or acceleration signals, lateral acceleration and wheel speed are all included in the precise calculations. The CDC adapts the basic damping under normal conditions to the new circumstances with millisecond accuracy.

The basic damping setting can be varied in two stages, which the driver can conveniently select via a rocker switch. This dynamic stabilisation has further advantages. CDC reduces the tyre wear and protects the roads.

High safety means more favourable insurance

CDC tends to shorten the braking distance, the steering reacts in a more direct manner and the vehicle is comfortable and easy to operate. Even in serious situations it helps the driver to remain fully in control. A truck with CDC ensures a high level of safety.

Some insurance companies are so convinced of the benefits of this system that they want to offer cheaper policies. In trucks in particular, where loads and centres of gravity vary so much, the vehicle's damping control is a real benefit for stability, cornering and safety. The load and the vehicle are protected, the service life of the components is considerably increased and the risk of accident significantly reduced.