Another approach to creating new rhythms is to tie them to the other parts they play against so that they highlight the melody or chord pattern. A closely matched percussion track can create successful cohesion between all the parts in a section, but you may need to add a few additional hits to keep it interesting. As with anything, you should view the initial changes you make as a new starting point - duplicate the loop to create a new derivative if necessary and then listen to where the new interactions between the parts "want" to go.

Of course, adding a new percussion layer is an even simpler trick to add energy and a new feel to a new section. Try throwing a bongo loop or shaker on top of your existing drum track and see how that changes things. It might be enough on its own, or it might offer a new groove to work off of and adjust the rest of the drums to.