Electronic Damping Force Controller (EDFC)

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.

Functions of EDFC:

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.