ArvinMeritor introduces advanced chassis products

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ArvinMeritor on Oct. 24 introduced several new smart systems modular suspension technologies, developed by the company’s Light Vehicle Systems Chassis Systems business unit, to the North American market at the 2007 Vehicle Dynamics Expo USA in Novi, Mich. ArvinMeritor says its smart systems design approach — the intelligent application of proprietary software, electronics and controls to traditional chassis products — enhances vehicle ride, handling and safety performance.

“ArvinMeritor’s smart systems chassis solutions are the direct result of listening to our customers,” says Ed Frutig, vice president and general manager of LVS Chassis Systems for Troy, Mich.-based ArvinMeritor. “Our customers continue to consolidate vehicle platforms and need increased performance flexibility from their ride and handling systems suppliers to cost-effectively differentiate between brand and model variations. Our systems are scalable, yet modular in design and assembly, and through our smart systems approach, we can provide brand-specific ride and feel to effectively differentiate a variety of vehicles based on a single platform.”

ArvinMeritor says three new systems are on display at the company’s Vehicle Dynamics Expo USA booth:

  • Active Air Suspension System: Currently under development on a European mid-size performance sedan, the Active Air Suspension System provides continuously variable spring rate adjustment. The system can create up to a 3-to-1 spring rate change in under 100 milliseconds, providing low-frequency active body control for improved ride, handling and stability. The system uses many of the same components of a standard air suspension system and can be a direct replacement to traditional coil-over-shock suspension systems. This provides modularity and scalability, which results in a high-performance cost-effective solution built upon proven technology;
  • Adaptive Damping System: Currently under development on a European performance coupe, the Adaptive Damping System provides best-in-class performance at a competitive price. It has a wide force range, fast response time, the ability to shift on force, and frequency-dependent damping capability. This is done with an electromagnetically actuated combination spool and poppet valve, replacing a standard piston in either a monotube or twin-tube shock absorber. All damping is provided by the valve, which eliminates deflected disks and simplifies the OEM’s tuning and development time. The simplicity of the valve and the flexibility in manufacturing give ArvinMeritor the ability to provide a high-performance cost-effective solution; and
  • Active Roll Control Stabilizer Bar System: Currently under development on a North American luxury sedan, the Active Roll Control Stabilizer Bar System meets the requirements of multiple vehicles on a single platform. It is derived from a single center-bar rotary actuator connected to a servo pump to provide single-channel or dual-channel active roll control. ArvinMeritor’s on-demand electrohydraulic power pack design improves fuel economy as compared to continuously running systems. The system is capable of independent control of front and rear roll rates, and has the ability to adjust roll couple distribution in real time.