Tenneco has revealed a digital suspension technology named DRiV, a damper technology with a range of vehicle applications and benefits, including the ability to adjust automatically to road conditions for improved handling and control while providing a smooth and comfortable ride – enabled by algorithms with up to 16 damping force profiles.
DRiV is part of the Monroe Intelligent Suspension range of ride performance systems, and the modular design of the digital damper architecture does not require a complex ECU. The electronics, sensors and software controls are located directly in the damper, which makes the unit easy to integrate into an existing suspension, without extensive re-engineering of the vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems. The DRiV system also incorporates a simplified gateway module which communicates with the vehicle through the existing CAN bus and the DRiV damper via a private network to provide cybersecurity protection.
“DRiV is a true breakthrough in digital suspension technology that is unique in the market,” said Ben Patel, vice president and chief technology officer at Tenneco. “The damper’s simplified design and ability to quickly adapt to road surfaces and conditions make it an excellent option for manufacturers looking for an easy-to-integrate solution for improved ride performance in any vehicle segment.”
Tenneco’s initial market for DRiV technology is shock applications on full-frame vehicles, where adaptive damping is particularly beneficial, as it balances handling and ride comfort in both loaded and unloaded states. Strut applications will follow, according to the company.
