Vehicle Motion Control: An Overview
The chassis forms the basis of any mobility on wheels. But how are drive, steering and braking impulses converted? How does a car react to influences from the road? And how are vehicle dynamics, safety and comfort combined?
Definition: What is Vehicle Motion Control?
The term Vehicle Motion Control refers to all technologies that influence the longitudinal, lateral and vertical dynamics of a vehicle. These include not only mechanical and mechatronic components such as steering, brakes, dampers and electronic control units, but increasingly software is also playing a major role. This software determines and controls the optimal driving strategy and the optimal interaction of all actuators in the vehicle.
Innovative technology for optimum vehicle dynamics
The chassis has a decisive influence on the safety, comfort and efficiency of cars
Even the advantages of automated driving can only be exploited if the chassis stabilizes vehicle movements and decouples the occupant from the influences of the road. ZF develops trend-setting solutions for this purpose.
Adaptive chassis control: advantages and technology
The Chassis Becomes a Flying Carpet
To regulate the hardness of the dampers only depending on the situation was yesterday. Today, sophisticated sensor technology and intelligent software algorithms make it possible to analyze and control the numerous variables of a vehicle's longitudinal, lateral and vertical dynamics.
The intelligent networking of the various chassis components within an adaptive chassis control makes it possible to achieve maximum driving dynamics, safety and comfort. In this way, ZF turns the chassis into a "flying carpet".
The chassis: How the technology works
A Real All-Rounder
The tasks of the chassis are many and varied: For example, it must transmit drive, braking and steering forces in the best possible way, absorb shocks, dampen vibrations and absorb lateral forces. Learn more about some ZF technologies that contribute to the fulfillment of these tasks.
Brake by Wire & Co: Braking systems in cars
Not just a Matter of Safety
ZF has many years of experience in the development of highly complex brake technologies. Take the example of Integrated Brake Control (IBC): With this brake-by-wire system ZF replaces the electronic stability control and the vacuum booster with all associated cables, sensors, switches, and electronic control units in a single integrated unit. In addition, IBC contributes to regenerative braking in order to enable charging of batteries in hybrid or purely electric drives. Thus, the braking system ensures greater range and lower emissions.
As a systems supplier, ZF uses its brake expertise to develop integrated solutions. For example, the Group implements automatic emergency braking and avoidance assistants through the interaction of brakes, sensors and electronic control units. These can help to avoid a collision with other vehicles or pedestrians or reduce the severity of an accident.
Development of systems and components
Teamwork as Success Factor
ZF is a globally active technology company with an extremely broad product portfolio. But how are the individual components created? How are systems developed from them? And how are they localized worldwide? Get to know the stories of our developers here.
Connected Solutions
The Future of Mobility
ZF is shaping the future of mobility. With a broad and unique product portfolio, ZF offers system solutions that enable vehicles to see, think and act. This makes driving safer, more efficient and more comfortable.
