Mini Cooper R57/R56 (Koni Special active)

Frequency Selective Damping principles- KONI ACTIVE technology does just that!



In general suspension terms, the conflict between comfort and handling can be split in two different frequency areas:



For comfort, with the suspension moving in a high frequency area (± 10 Hz), it is neccessary for low damping forces for the vehicle to remain comfortable.



For handling, with the suspension moving in a low frequency area (± 1 Hz), it is neccessary for high damping forces for the vehicle to remain safe and in control.



Conventional dampers are unable to solve the conflict in terms of comfort and handling, however if you are able to create a damper which can change the damping force level in relation to the frequency of the movement, you will be able to solve this conflict.



How does it work?

In standard shock absorbers the main damping characteristic is defined by the oil flow going through the piston assembly.



Combining this standard damping characteristic with the ACTIVE feature, KONl added a special valve which is able to control a parallel oil flow next to the one going through the piston. This parallel oil flow is closed by the Active feature, giving a rise in damping force almost linear to the time that the piston is moving in one direction.



Put simply: the KONI ACTIVE feature is a hydraulic amplifier that delays the build up of pressure. One could say that an extra tuning option has been created in order to get the best possible combination of handling and comfort.



Since it is an integrated part of the hydraulic valve system inside the damper, no additional cables, sensors or any other electronic devices are needed to operate a KONI ACTIVE damper.



KONI ACTIVE the simplest and most economic way to significantly improve the ride and driving characteristics of every car.