Link Mfg., provider of specially-engineered suspensions, has introduced its ROI Cabmate Semi-Active Cab Suspension, a more advanced version of its Cabmate cab suspension that features Link’s Road-Optimized Innovations technology to improve ride quality and respond to road and weather conditions.

The ROI Cabmate Semi-Active Cab Suspension employs multiple sensors to constantly assess environmental circumstances and respond simultaneously. An accelerometer monitors the motion of the cab, while a position sensor measures the position and velocity of the cab relative to the frame.

Using Link’s proprietary algorithms, the system’s electronic control unit interprets the stream of information from all sensors in real time, and responds by continuously adjusting the stiffness of shock absorbers and by filling or exhausting air from the system’s air springs to optimize ride stability and comfort. The entire ROI system operates on less than 10 watts of power.

After transitioning from on- to off-highway conditions, cabs can sustain structural damage, vehicles can become harder to handle and drivers can be forced to decrease speed to avoid losing control, according to Link. The ROI Cabmate Semi-Active Cab Suspension can help prevent health risks, handling impediments and asset destruction that decrease worker satisfaction, productivity and revenue potential.

Bill Ott, Link’s vice president of engineering, said while the suspension is physically consistent no matter which OEM cab is used, each installation is tweaked for that application.

"Our testing has identified specific characteristics of various OE chassis suspensions," said Ott. "So we have optimized the damping characteristics to suit the application."

Seating is often thought of as the primary interface between the driver and the chassis. And while seating can do much to improve the ride quality for the driver, it serves only the driver.

"Seating only helps maintain driver stability, it does nothing to stabilize what surrounds the driver," said Michael Hof, Link's vice president of business development. "What about vehicle electronics or the driver in the sleeper? Seating won't do much for them, but a better cab suspension can really help there."

The ROI Cabmate Semi-Active Cab Suspension System also features electronic height control. The system minimizes air consumption compared to traditional height control valves, because it does not fill or exhaust air in response to dynamic suspension motion. The system is designed to produce a better overall ride regardless of road surfaces and atmospheric forces, such as wind shear.

“Fleets will find numerous advantages associated with any vehicle fitted with Link’s ROI Cabmate Semi-Active Cab Suspension System, beginning with protection of the driver and the whole-cab asset,” said Hof. “Reducing driver and vehicle fatigue and enhancing ergonomics may enable operators to traverse an uneven route more quickly and safely, enabling productivity to rise and additional runs to be made in a single shift.”