Ultrasound sensor measures air spring pressure
Bus drivers are constantly having to adjust the ride heights of their buses throughout the day due to speed bumps, uneven surfaces and height differences at bus stops. Up to now, this has generally been done mechanically and, for most vehicles, at a uniform ride height with only one possible target value. To lower one side of the bus at bus stops, the air had to be completely let out from the spring. With the UHP sensor, the air springs can now be controlled electronically and automatically.
Using ultrasound, the sensor measures the current height and pressure in the air spring and sends the values to the electronic control unit, which automatically opens or closes the air spring valves. Target values are pre-set in the electronic control unit, and drivers can pre-select these values before they start to drive depending on whether they are driving in the city or on the freeway. Continuous monitoring between the control unit and the spring maintains an appropriate ride height, which means that the electromechanical control valve does not respond to every trigger. The advantage of this is that the height and pressure can be determined precisely. This function prevents energy from being lost unnecessarily when the bus is lowered or raised. With this solution for air springs, Continental is a pioneer in the market.
Meanwhile, the developers are already thinking ahead: The next step is for the air springs to send signals via the sensor technology in the event of overload or faults, enabling anticipatory maintenance. This will reduce unforeseen defects and thus vehicle downtime, as well as the risk of accidents, which will improve road safety.
The air spring featuring sensor technology is one of the products that Continental will present at the upcoming IAA Commercial Vehicles (Sept. 20 through 27, Hannover, Germany).
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