Federungsstufe

Federungsstufe is a German term used in mechanical engineering and vehicle design to denote a discrete level or characteristic of a suspension system. Literally translating to "suspension stage" or "spring level," it describes how a suspension responds under different loads or travel ranges, either by discrete settings or by built-in multi-rate behavior.

In practice, federungsstufen appear in several forms: mechanical multi-stage springs (dual-rate or progressive springs that change effective spring rate as they compress), selectable damping or spring-preload settings (commonly found on motorcycles, bicycles, and off-road vehicles), and electronically controlled systems that alter stiffness or ride height in predefined stages. The concept is used to balance conflicting objectives such as comfort, handling, and load capacity by allowing the suspension to be softer in small displacements and stiffer under heavy loads or large compressions.

Design considerations for federungsstufen include spring rate, travel, damping characteristics, hysteresis, and transition smoothness between stages. Well-implemented stages improve ride quality and safety; poorly designed transitions can cause abrupt behavior or reduced traction. The term is also applied in industrial machinery and rail systems where variable suspension behavior is advantageous. Its use reflects a practical approach to matching suspension performance to varying operational conditions.