| EDFC (Electronic Damping Force Controller)
makes it possible for the driver to control the damping force by
controlling a motor installed in the shock absorber while being
seated in the driver's seat. Since the damping force can be
manually controlled with ease to meet different situations, the
driver can enjoy variations in the suspension setting. |
EDFC is developed based on the following
concepts:
| 1. |
Easily controlled from the inside |
| |
To control the damping force, the
driver does not need to raise the hood or take off rear interior
parts such as the speaker board or rear seat. All a driver is
required to do is simply operate a button while being seated in the
driver's seat.
According to the marketing research we have carried out, EDFC is
always ranked high on the 'want list'. Therefore, it has grown from
overwhelming customer demand, specifically from requests by
customers who have purchased damping-force-control-type shock
absorbers, or who intend to purchase shock absorbers made by TEIN
Inc. |
| 2. |
Memory contents easily recalled |
| |
EDFC can store in its memory up to
three types of damping force levels which have been set up
according to various situations, and is equipped with a memory
recall function. With the touch of a button, the driver can set the
damping force level to his/her preference in various modes such as
a normal driving mode when going out with family, a sports mode
when enjoying a winding road alone, and a cruising mode when
driving on a freeway. Moreover, pushing the button for more than
two seconds can easily change the stored memory. |
| 3. |
Compact in size |
| |
We made it compact in size,
equivalent to 1/4 DIN, so that it can be installed in a position
where the driver can easily operate in the driver's seat.
|
| 4. |
Installed in a wide range of vehicles |
| |
In the future, we will develop
shock absorbers which will be equipped with the EDFC. There are
some vehicle types, however, for which the EDFC cannot be installed
due to problems such as narrow clearance. As for shock absorbers
already purchased by customers previously, we will confirm the
installation.> |
| 5. |
Reasonable Price |
| |
Sales price of $380 (list price).
We realized a reasonable sales price. |
Function of EDFC
| 1. |
Damping force control function (16 levels
/ 32 levels) |
| |
Our damping-force-control-type
shock absorbers normally have a built in damping force control
function for 16 levels. This function controls the damping force by
adjusting the rate of oil flow in the bypass through raising and
lowering the damping force control needle built in piston rod for
16 levels. In the EDFC, this function is performed by a stepping
motor installed on the top of piston rod, realizing a 16-level
control, the same as in the manual control. Moreover, the operation
by the controller with a decreased rotation angle has realized a
finer adjustment of a 32-level mode in the same control range. The
damping force for the front and rear wheels can be separately
controlled, and the right and left wheels are simultaneously
controlled. |
| 2. |
Damping force level maintaining function |
| |
An EDFC switch is connected with
the key position of the vehicle, the same as in general car audio
components. If the EDFC power switch is continuously turned on, the
EDFC can store in memory the click position setting when the driver
gets out of the car and the key switch is turned off. Thus, when
the engine is restarted, he/she can drive using the same setting.
All memory contents are deleted when the EDFC power switch is
turned off. The electric current to maintain memory is as slight as
the current necessary for a standard equipment clock, and there is
little possibility of a dead battery. |
| 4. |
Damping force level memory function |
| |
It is equipped with a function to
store in memory three settings of the damping force. The level
setting in memory can be maintained even if the engine is turned
off. The memory contents can be recalled with the touch of a
button. Moreover, the stored memory contents can be easily changed
by pushing the button for more than two seconds. |
| 5. |
Damping force level resetting function |
| |
After the EDFC is installed, the
driver will put it into a return-to-origin mode by rotating the
motor in the clockwise direction when the power is turned on. With
this operation, the controller can recognize the origin of the
damping force control needle. The EDFC is equipped with a function
to execute the return-to-origin mode compulsorily in the following
occasions: in the case of installation or detachment of the EDFC,
or when the control level is changed from 16-level to 32-level, or
when the level displayed is different from the actual one due to
external and mechanical reasons. This operation is not necessary in
the normal driving, however. Turning on the main power again after
turning it off can reset the damping force level. At this time, the
memory contents are also reset. |
| 6. |
Self-checking/warning function |
| |
In the case where the EDFC does
not function correctly (due to an overcurrent or detached wires,
etc.), all three memory buttons will blink red with an alarm sound
and an error indication displayed, and the driver can confirm the
position of the malfunctioning motor on the screen. |
| 7. |
Volume/brightness control function |
| |
The beep sound volume while
operating the EDFC can be set at three levels and can also be put
into a silent mode. It is also possible to adjust the brightness of
the display at three levels. This adjustment is connected with the
power source for lamps, and it functions when the dimmer function
is in operation at night. |
| 8. |
Mis-operation preventive function |
| |
The EDFC is equipped with a lock
mode, which prevents mis-operation. The 'key' mark is displayed and
all operations become impossible including turning the power on and
off. It is useful when the driver allows another driver to drive an
EDFC-equipped vehicle. |
See,
Installation Manual here.
See, Installation
Information here.
See, Car Model Fitting list
here.
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