Toyota electronic modulated air suspension system for the 1986 Soarer

An electronically controlled air-suspension system is described that uses sensors to detect vehicle speed, throttle position, steering angle, height, and other factors related to vehicle attitude. Its electronic control unit (ECU) drives the actuators to control spring rate, damping force, and height. As a result, the system reduces changes in vehicle attitude such as rolls, dives, squats, etc., and also provides stable maneuverability in high-speed cruising and improved drive characteristics on rough roads. A newly developed single-chip microcomputer is used in the ECU. The actuators for the sporting rate and damping force use DC motors. The system also allows drivers to select preferred suspension characteristics from four modes, and displays on a CRT the suspension status. >