As vehicles evolve to meet demands, the Monroe Intelligent Suspension RideSense system is said to be the future of suspension technology, delivering a tailored response that ensures a smooth ride and improved handling.
Automotive suspension systems have seen significant advances in recent years, moving away from conventional mechanical designs to more sophisticated, electronically controlled, systems. One example of this is Monroe’s Intelligent Suspension RideSense shocks, which are said to be a cutting-edge solution for vehicles with semi-active electronic suspension technology.
Designed as a direct replacement for original equipment shocks, the RideSense shocks offer performance improvements in ride comfort, handling precision, as well as durability and safety.
Let’s take a look into the workings of this advanced suspension system to understand why it is revolutionising automotive damping.
How Do Electronic Shocks Work?
Electronic shocks, such as the Monroe Intelligent Suspension RideSense, function through an intricate system of sensors and an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). Unlike traditional shocks that rely solely on mechanical components to control damping forces, electronic shocks adjust these forces in real-time by processing data from various sensors.
Each Monroe Intelligent Suspension RideSense shock connects to the vehicle’s ECU, which collects input from three acceleration sensors (two placed at the front of the car and one at rear), four suspension position sensors near each wheel, and other critical feedback points such as the rotational angle of steering wheel and the speed of the vehicle. These sensors continuously assess parameters such as wheel acceleration, body displacement and steering angle related to a certain speed.
This data enables the system to calculate optimal damping levels based on road conditions and driving behaviour within a reaction time as fast as 6-12 milliseconds. Through rapid, adaptive adjustments, Monroe Intelligent Suspension RideSense shocks therefore deliver a tailored response that ensures a smoother ride and improved handling.
Design features
The RideSense shock features a complex arrangement of tubes, valves and servo components. The system uses a low-pressure three-tube design – a hallmark of advanced shock technology – allowing for seamless oil flow between components. The shock absorber directs oil flow through the Monroe Intelligent Suspension RideSense valve, regulating pressure for both compression and rebound forces consistently – a design idea known as the ‘uniflow principle’.
This design enables the shock to react quickly to changing conditions by directly adjusting oil flow, which in turn modulates the damping force, the company explains.
How the ECU controls the dampers
The control system of Monroe Intelligent Suspension RideSense relies on an ECU that processes data at a rate of 500 checks per second. The ECU uses a range of values to determine the ideal damping level for each shock absorber:
- Current levels: The ECU modulates the current between 0.3 A (for softer damping) and 1.6 A (for firmer damping) to the servo valve. This range adjusts the magnetic force applied to the valve, changing the internal pressure and therefore the damping force.
- Sensor inputs: Inputs from acceleration and position sensors provide real-time feedback on the vehicle’s behaviour, allowing the ECU to adjust shock settings for optimal performance.
- Road and driving conditions: The ECU interprets conditions such as road roughness, lane changes and obstacle avoidance manoeuvres, adjusting the damping levels accordingly.
The servo valve responds to these signals by altering oil flow, which adjusts the shock absorber’s internal pressure. This system provides real-time adaptability, ensuring that each wheel maintains maximum contact with the road for improved control, comfort and safety.
The advantages
Monroe’s Intelligent Suspension RideSense shocks offer several advantages over conventional shock absorbers that typically use static or minimally adjustable damping. These advantages arise from the system’s electronic adaptability, which can respond to driving and road conditions dynamically.
Unlike conventional shocks that provide fixed damping characteristics, electronic shocks can independently adjust the damping for each shock, accommodating variations in load transfer, road irregularities, and vehicle movement such as roll, pitch and heave.
This adaptability results in:
- Enhanced road-holding capability: Better tyre contact on rough surfaces reduces wheel hop.
- Improved safety: Adaptive control enhances stability, reducing the likelihood of skids or rollovers.
- Optimised comfort and handling: Drivers experience reduced vibration, minimised body roll and superior handling through fast adjustments to suspension settings.
The RideSense shocks incorporate materials that can withstand high frequencies and intense pressure changes. Components such as the electro-mechanical servo valve use magnetic materials responsive to current flow, allowing the shock to quickly alter damping levels.
These high-quality materials ensure durability and consistent performance even under demanding conditions. Additionally, these materials contribute to the precise operation of the ECU-driven valves, translating to smoother ride quality and improved handling over time.
RideSense in OE platforms
In 2024 more than 9,000,000 of Monroe Intelligent Suspension Ride Sense shocks were sold to OE manufacturers. Some of the more popular vehicles equipped with this technology are:
- Audi: Audi A6, A6 Avant, Allroad.
- BMW: BMW X3, X4, Z4, 1 Series, 3 Series
- Ford: New Mondeo, Galaxy 2006,S-Max, Ecosport
- Mercedes-Benz: Class C, Class E, Class E-AMG, Class E-4×4, Class V, Class E-AMG Combi, SLK, SLK-AMG, CLS, CLS-AMG, DC + AMG C/CLK and DC + AMG E/CLS.
- Volvo: S60, S60R, V70, V70R, S80, XC90.
- VW: Golf GTI, Golf TDI, Passat, Passat CC, Sharan, Tiguan, Arteon (PQ46, PQ36, MQBA, MQBB).
RideSense shocks are also covered by a five-year warranty.
Performance
Monroe Intelligent Suspension RideSense represents a leap forward in suspension technology, delivering a driving experience that far surpasses traditional damping systems. By integrating electronic adaptability, high-quality materials, and precise control mechanisms, RideSense enhances ride comfort, handling precision and road safety.
For more information: www.tenneco.com/ www.monroe.com/
Click here for more Springs & shock absorbers news: https://designsolutionsmag.co.uk/category/springs-shock-absorbers/
This feature first appeared in the April issue of Design Solutions magazine.
