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Performance: Damping Technology by ZF
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3 INTRODUCTION 8 IT’S ALL ABOUT
MODULARITY
4 USE CASES 9 ACTIVE DAMPING SYSTEMS
5 WHAT THE DAMPING SYSTEM
HAS TO MASTER 10 PORTFOLIO
6 APPLICATION HIGHLIGHT CDC 11 ZF AS A SYSTEMS SUPPLIER
7 CONVENTIONAL DAMPING SYSTEMS 12 ABOUT ZF
3 INTRODUCTION
Chassis Technology That Moves: ZF Damping Technology
The automotive industry is facing enormous challenges:
Electric mobility, autonomous driving and digitalization
have already begun to change traffic more than any
other development before.
ZF is ideally equipped for this change: With its Damping “irons out” bumps in the road, keeps the
core competencies in electric driveline solutions, wheels on the road surface even when cornering,
Vehicle Motion Control, Integrated Safety and prevents unwanted inertia from coming into play
Autonomous Driving, the company is making it in stop-and-go urban traffic and much more.
possible to experience technologies of the future Additional requirements in terms of comfort,
today. Because one thing is certain: As long safety and dynamic handling arise depending
as a vehicle has wheels, it will need a chassis; on the segment, market and customer. Whether
and only few chassis components are as crucial the car is driving autonomously or being steered
for dynamic handling, safety and comfort as by humans will also matter in the future. ZF can
the damping system. For decades, automotive fulfill all these wishes because the company
manufacturers have relied on ZF and its extensive supports automotive manufacturers in customiz
portfolio, which ranges from proven conventional ing the damping to the respective model or
components to complete, actively controlled and sales region. The Group ensures that the optimal
networked systems. solution is achieved for the desired application
already in the development stage.
Technological expertise worldwide
ZF works closely with vehicle manufacturers
This expertise is valuable because people’s during each step of the way – from concept to
desire for mobility remains unbroken worldwide. start of production, from the test bench to the
Whether in America, Europe or in the important test track or even the racing circuit. Since the
growth markets of China or India: People every company is also represented on every continent
where have to get to work, goods need to arrive with plants as well as development and service
at their destinations, children have to get to locations, vehicle manufacturers worldwide can
school, or people simply want to enjoy the ride. rely on ZF’s expertise.
Without being aware of it, they always rely on a
pleasant ride and thus on damping technology.
4 USE CASES
RIDE & HANDLING LOW NOISE
Prepared
for Every
Eventuality
Damping significantly contributes to achieving the When a car is on the road, the chassis generates vibra
optimum combination of comfortable and sporty driving. tions that can radiate into the passenger compartment, Automotive manufacturers may not
resulting in noises that can be bothersome to occupants. have any influence on what the
ZF therefore develops its damping systems in such a way route looks like between start and
REBOUND & COMPRESSION STOP that the interior acoustics are optimized.
finish – but they do have an effect
on how it is perceived by the vehicle
IMPACT DAMPING
occupants. Whether for sporty
cornering or for taking long journeys
in comfort: ZF develops its shock
absorbers in such a way that even
entry-level products cover a multi-
Speed bumps, large potholes and other obstacles can
lead to an uncomfortable stopping point in the stroke tude of possible applications.
limit of the chassis. These effects are mitigated by shock Small potholes and other bumps in the road considerably Depending on the type and final
absorbers that also limit the force introduced into the reduce the comfort of the occupants and make it more design, a wide variety of advantages
vehicle body. difficult to control the vehicle. Using special technology, come into play. Further add-on
damping can compensate for these effects. modules and advanced complete
systems ensure that the passen-
AUTONOMOUS DRIVING MOTORCYCLE
gers enjoy every trip.
Autonomous driving is no longer a vision of the future – Motorcycles promise pure enjoyment, whether you are out
even today, cars can cover certain routes independently. on a fast and challenging tour or a more relaxed excursion,
This leads to new and higher demands on the chassis alone or with a passenger. All of this demands a lot from
in terms of comfort and also poses a challenge for the the chassis, because neither dynamics nor stability should
damping technology. be sacrificed.
5 WHAT THE DAMPING SYSTEM HAS TO MASTER
What the Damping System has to Master
Innovation with tradition: ZF has been active in the damping
business since 1934. Throughout its history, the Group has met
new challenges with its products again and again.
Today, the industry is once again facing major ZF therefore designs its shock absorbers to be
upheaval. In addition to new laws regarding exceptionally rugged even in their basic version,
safety and emissions, automotive manufac enabling them to reliably absorb such forces.
turers and their customers are demanding
more in terms of comfort and driving pleasure. Comfort
This leads to industry-wide trends, among
others electric mobility and electrified drives, It’s something every passenger is aware of: If
integrated safety and highly automated and you’re not paying attention in traffic, every bump
autonomous driving functions. These trends are in the road is much more noticeable. That’s
also changing the tasks that a damping system more than just annoying – some people even get
has to perform. motion sick from it. In the coming era of highly
automated and autonomous driving, this prob
Safety lem will become more acute, as even the driver’s
seat is increasingly being transformed into a
The era of isolated individual systems in the passenger seat. Semi-active and active damping
vehicle is drawing to a close. Fully integrated and systems, such as those already offered by ZF,
networked systems will replace the current status have the advantage here: They can decouple
quo, allowing the shock absorber to help prevent the passenger compartment from unpleasant Manufacturers who want to overcome these However, shock absorbers can also help to
accidents, or at least to limit their consequences, motions to the greatest extent possible, making challenges often turn towards electric mobility. reduce emissions from gasoline and diesel
even in difficult driving situations. the experience more and more like a ride on a However, an electric motor produces far less engines through intelligent lightweight design –
“flying carpet.” But even during normal driving, noise than a conventional drive. Up to now, the one of ZF’s core competencies. The combination
ZF is also supporting vehicle manufacturers in they enhance the driving experience by provid combustion engine drowned out other noises of lightweight and alternative materials such as
protecting road users who are most at risk: Over ing the driver with important feedback on road that entered the passenger compartment plastic, aluminum or high-strength steel with
time, vehicle body fronts are designed lower and conditions without being uncomfortable. through the chassis. ZF is therefore developing precisely fitting piston sizes can save up to four
lower so that pedestrians suffer less injury in the its shock absorbers in collaboration with the cus kilograms of weight per vehicle. This is reflected
event of a collision. This changes the installation Environmental protection tomer to ensure that occupants will not notice in lower fuel consumption and reduced exhaust
positions of the suspension struts and shock any noise that might occur. Depending on the emissions.
absorbers, so that these components now have Climate targets, fuel consumption standards and application, the Group minimizes many of these
to deal with very high transverse forces. the threat of a driving ban for diesel vehicles: noises down to the physical limit of acoustics.
6 APPLICATION HIGHLIGHT CDC
Continuous Damping Control: Continuous Damping Control (CDC) has been a popular mainstay
in the ZF portfolio, thanks to the ability to switch to optimum
Optimum Damping for Every damping within a fraction of a second or the option to switch
between sport-tuned firm and luxuriously soft damping with
Wheel on any Road the push of button. CDC can stabilize vehicle superstructures
independently of road conditions using the “skyhook” principle.
On long journeys and on poorly maintained roads, unit. A solenoid-controlled valve provides each
CDC reduces strain on the spine and thus is gen individual wheel with the ideal damping force for
tle on passengers’ backs, benefiting commuters the current situation. Because CDC can switch
as well as others. ZF has also set its sights on the so smoothly and quickly, it can optimally cope
future, because in the coming age of autonomous with many challenges – and is able to do so
driving, the comfort demands on the part of in all vehicle segments, from compact cars to
occupants will rise to a level for which CDC is luxury sedans. CDC also guarantees a good ride
already equipped. on motorcycles, be it while racing through curvy
switchbacks or on an adventure tour.
Want handling that is more dynamic? CDC
makes it possible by influencing the wheel load Add-on feature CDCrci
fluctuations of the car, thus ensuring perfect
traction at all times. For example, this allows the Even finer tuning of the shock absorber char
vehicle to accelerate dynamically or steer when acteristics can be achieved with the CDCrci
cornering without impairing tracking behavior or feature, which electronically regulates the
stability. And in the worst-case scenario, such as damping forces independently in the rebound
emergency braking, this feature ensures greater and compression direction. CDCrci thus meets
safety on the road. the increased requirements for controlled com
pression damping on rough roads and enables
The technology explained further advantages in terms of driving dynamics
and comfort, especially for SUVs.
The semi-active damping system, which has
proven itself millions of times over, constantly
uses its sensor architecture to collect data on
the condition of the road, the vehicle speed and
driver actions and transmits it to a central control
7 CONVENTIONAL DAMPING SYSTEMS
Power Perfectly Metered:
Selective Damping Control 3
For many, driving a car is an The frequency-selective technology SDC3
emotional experience. The (Selective Damping Control) now allows vehicle
phrase “need for speed” exists manufacturers to find a good compromise
between comfort and precise handling with
for a reason, but those who
sporty dynamics on the cost-efficient basis of
have pursued it could expect at conventional damping technology. SDC3 exhibits
the very least their passengers its advantages especially when installed in
complaining about damping that vehicles with large rims or low-profile tires, such
was too hard – if it wasn’t the as sport, truck or crossover models.
driver’s own back that might be
The technology explained
aching from it.
The heart of SDC3 is a frequency-dependent
valve module that divides the damping force
characteristics in the rebound direction into high-
and low-frequency damping forces. In the case of
low-frequency excitations – high cornering forces
which occur during evasive maneuvers on the
highway or when cornering on a country road –
stabilizing, high damping forces are g enerated.
The car is easier to steer, which increases safety.
In case of high-frequency vibrations – small,
rapidly occurring road unevenness from sources
such as cobblestones, rough asphalt or tar
patches – SDC3 operates on a low damping
force level. The passengers remain isolated
from the vibrations, which leads to a noticeable
increase in comfort.8 IT’S ALL ABOUT MODULARITY
It’s all About Modularity
Compact city cars, minivans, sports sedans, off-road vehicles: to reducing emissions or, in the case of electric Vehicle manufacturers can also use it to limit the
Successful vehicle manufacturers offer a wide variety of possible vehicles, increasing the range. The monotube forces introduced into the vehicle body by the
model ranges to reach different customers. damper thus closes the gap between standard chassis. Weight and costs are reduced because
and electronically controlled chassis with an no additional compensating components have to
attractive price/performance ratio. be installed.
The driving experience should be as varied as As an integral part of the chassis, damping
the intended uses – because this experience is represents the link between road, car and driver. Five by five Custom-made in volume
just as much a part of the brand core as design, And because every car is different and has production
engine sound and reliability. different challenges to master, this also needs Based on mono- or twintube dampers, five
to be reflected in the damping characteristics. further factors are crucial for ZF’s modularity ZF attaches great importance to developing
Manufacturers therefore rightly want a more principle: the optimum shock absorbers for every vehicle.
or less tailor-made solution for each individual ZF shock absorbers are highly customizable in
model range – and often for different engines or • The size of the shock absorber, including terms of size, additional features, algorithms
regions as well. suitable rebound and compression stop and actuators and can therefore be adapted to
technology every vehicle type and application. In addition,
ZF fulfills this wish with an economical and • Various valve systems for optimum there are various lightweight design options
scalable modular system that allows conven characteristic curve attributes based on material mix and thickness, such as
tional, semi-active and active shock absorber • Optional material mix in container design hybrid spring plates made of a steel-and-plastic
technology to be precisely optimized for every • Control algorithms and electronics for composite. With semi-active and active damping
application and budget. semi-active and active damping technology, ZF can not only supply the hardware
• Construction kit for actuators with but also offers the appropriate electronics
Start right with the basics semi-active and active damping and control software from a single source. ZF
engineers accompany and support the OEM in
ZF shock absorbers have been the proven Spotlight on additional modules: a thorough customization process – including
standard in damping technology since the Rebound and compression stops several weeks on the test track – to ensure that
1930s. Every product that the Group develops the shock absorber is perfect for the respective
for its customers is based on monotube or Additional damping force is generated by vehicle model.
twintube dampers. Even in their entry version, rebound and compression stops, depending on
ZF twintube dampers are economical for the the stroke, which in turn limits the stop forces
vehicle manufacturer as well as resilient and acting on the axle – and thus on the vehicle
space-saving thanks to their short installation body. It is therefore vital that the rebound and
length. In addition, monotube dampers feature compression stops are individually adjusted to
improved noise characteristics and are optimized the respective vehicle model. This is associated in
for lightweight design. In this way they contribute particular with additional comfort for passengers.9 ACTIVE DAMPING SYSTEMS
Smooth as can be:
Active Damping
Concept sMOTION
What if a shock absorber no longer depended on external
influences to fully deploy its damping power?
What if it were able to take action itself – instead comfort, safety and dynamic handling. Thanks
of just reacting, as has been the case so far? to sMOTION, vehicle occupants get a feeling
With the active damping concept sMOTION, of unshakable calm as they float over uneven
ZF promises a groundbreaking new level of surfaces of all kinds.
The technology explained
Each wheel is fitted with an actuator that can
actively pull the wheel upwards or push it
downwards. It almost completely eliminates car
body vibrations that might be unpleasant for the
driver and passengers. It doesn’t matter whether
the vehicle is exposed to immense lateral forces
when cornering fast, generating pitching move
ments when accelerating or braking, or driving
over bumps, humps, rough asphalt, gravel or
the like: sMOTION effectively smoothes over any
unwanted, bothersome movement.
Watch how sMOTION works –
click here.10 PORTFOLIO
Overview: ZF Damping Technology
RIDE & LOW REBOUND & IMPACT AUTONOMOUS MOTORCYCLE
HANDLING NOISE COMPRESSION STOP DAMPING DRIVING
• Conventional: SDC2/SDC3 • Various valve technologies • Conventional: HRS/HCS • Conventional: SID • Conventional: SDC3 • Conventional shock
• Semi-active: CDC/CDCrci • Designed as required • Semi-active: CDCrci • Semi-active: CDCrci • Semi-active: CDC/CDCrci absorbers
• Active: sMOTION • Active: sMOTION • Active: sMOTION + preview • Semi-active: CDC
• Active: sMOTION
+ preview
AMPLITUDE- AND
STANDARD DAMPING END-POSITION DAMPING FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT DAMPING SEMI-ACTIVE AND ACTIVE SYSTEMS
Zusatzfeatures
Zusatzfeatures
Additional Zusatzfeatures
features SDC2 SDC2 SDC2 SDC2 SDC3 SDC3SDC3 SDC3 CDC CDC CDC CDC
Damping Damping Damping
Damping Damping Damping Damping
Damping Damping Damping Damping
Damping Damping Damping Damping
Damping Damping Damping Damping
Damping
Force Force Force Force Force Force Force ForceHCS HCS HCS HCS Force Force Force Force Force Force Force Force Force ForceForce Force
ard ndard
tanda
rd
tanda
rd
Stand Seta
r Ser per S mperSID SID SID SID Compression
Compression
Compression Compression
Compression
Compression
Compression Compression Damp Damp Dam Da Compression
Compression
Compression Compression Compression
Compression Compression
Compression CompressionCompression
Compression Compression
StrokeStrokeStroke Stroke StrokeStrokeStroke Stroke StrokeStrokeStroke Stroke Stroke StrokeStroke Stroke Stroke StrokeStroke Stroke
v=const. v=const. v=const.
v=const. v=const. v=const.
v=const. v=const. v=const. v=const.
v=const. v=const. v=const. v=const. v=const.
v=const. v=const. v=const.
v=const. v=const.
small small small
large small
large large large high highlow high
high low low low soft soft soft soft
Rebound Rebound Rebound
Rebound Rebound SID SID
Rebound Rebound
Rebound SID SID
HRS HRS HRS HRS Rebound Rebound Rebound
Rebound Rebound Rebound Rebound
Rebound
Rebound Rebound Rebound
Rebound
firm firm firm firm
HRS – Hydraulic Rebound Stop SDC2 – Sensitive Damping Control CDC – Continous Damping Control
HCS – Hydraulic Compression Stop Amplitude selective Damping sMOTION – Active Suspension
SDC3 – Sensitive Damping Control
SID – Sensitive Impact Damping Frequency selective Damping11 ZF AS A SYSTEMS SUPPLIER
A Systematic Approach to the Future
Modern problems require modern solutions. As more
people strive for mobility, traffic is becoming increasingly
complex worldwide.
Drivers and passengers have requirements for ZF summarizes the causal chain of these
their cars that differ greatly. Sporty drivers want technologies in the slogan “see. think. act.” An
to test the limits, while families focus on safety, example of this is the sensor set – consisting of
which is why companies are constantly devel radar, LIDAR and camera – detecting a potential
oping new assistance systems. And of course, collision, with the data being processed by the
comfort should not be neglected. vehicle’s control box, which estimates whether
it is still possible to prevent the accident through
In order to meet such demands, it is no longer evasive maneuvers or by braking. In any case,
sufficient for each component to simply func the car activates its braking system, the seat
tion well on its own. Their full potential can only belts tighten, and the power-assisted steering is
be tapped if the individual components, along activated. If semi-active or active shock absorb
with subsystems and parallel systems, are ers such as CDC or sMOTION are fitted, they
intelligently and efficiently networked with each can already adjust the damping force required
other. The prerequisite here is system solutions to increase the traction of the wheels, making it
and integration, and ZF can meet this need easier to carry out evasive maneuvers while also
from a single source like no other technology shortening the stopping distance. In this way it a variety of advantages in terms of comfort. or car-to-cloud communication. This would
supplier. is still possible to avert the accident. By the way, Up until now, shock absorbers have only been allow the cars in front to warn those behind
sensors can now also recognize what kind of able to respond to inputs and forces after them of uneven surfaces or other obstacles.
see. think. act. danger is imminent. That’s important, because they have already come into contact with Such “remote damping” is no longer some dis
whether it is another car, a pole, or even a them. What if the sensors were able to tell the tant vision of the future. Damping technologies
This is due to ZF’s comprehensive portfolio in pedestrian plays an important role in the choice damping system that road bumps or bends such as CDC or sMOTION are already prepared
the four technology fields of Vehicle Motion of damping force. were approaching? The damping force would to do this. Development projects at ZF are
Control, Integrated Safety, Electric Mobility and not only proactively compensate for the road currently testing the necessary interaction
Automated Driving, which is the only way it is Predictive damping condition but also be able to align the charac of sensors, signal processing and regulation
possible to keep track of a complex control net teristic curve with the current driving style, with algorithms. In any case, it will become clear
work that opens up new market opportunities. In However, it is not necessary for the worst- more feedback in sport mode and complete that damping will continue to be a crucial
this way, ZF can supply complete systems that case scenario to occur before action is taken. decoupling from asphalt conditions during component of the mobility of the future as
precisely meet the requirements of manufactur Intelligent damping through the use of constant autonomous driving. Further opportunities arise an indispensable interface between the road,
ers and end customers. communication with vehicle sensors offers from networking, for instance through car-to-car chassis and driver.12 ABOUT ZF
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
Global Corporate and Marketing Communications
88038 Friedrichshafen ABOUT ZF
Germany
Phone +49 7541 77-0 ZF is a global technology company and supplies areas of digital connectivity and automation in order
press@zf.com systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and to allow vehicles to see, think and act.
www.zf.com/press industrial technology, enabling the next generation of
mobility. With its comprehensive technology portfolio, ZF has a global workforce of some 149,000 em-
the company offers integrated solutions for estab ployees at 230 locations in 40 countries. In 2018,
lished vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and ZF achieved sales of €36.9 billion. ZF invests over
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start-up companies in the fields of transportation and six percent of its sales in research and development
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youtube.com/zffriedrichshafenag mobility. ZF continually enhances its systems in the annually.You can also read
