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EDFC (Electronic Damping Force Controller)
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.
EDFC FUNCTIONS:
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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
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