Sensor-Controlled Air Springs

May 9, 2017

Jennifer Shuttleworth

Equipped with Continental sensor technology, the height of ContiTech’s (Auburn Hills, MI) air springs can now be adjusted electronically, the internal pressure monitored and the internal temperature measured. Air springs equipped with this technology can be used as a pneumatic element in systems, machines and industrial vehicles. The integrated sensor technology measures the internal pressure and height of the air spring. As soon as the application conditions change—such as a difference in height due to loading or uneven surfaces—the system reacts and ensures the change is compensated for. All data is recorded and evaluated on a PC as control unit during operation. If several air springs have been installed, these can be controlled separately. Potential problems are detected in real time and the system can be stopped before any damage occurs. Additionally, the cause of the problem can be precisely determined from the recorded data, making maintenance and repairs easier.