Suspension System
Non-independent Suspension vs. Independent Suspension
Jun
- What is a Suspension System?
- Rigid Suspension vs. Independent Suspension
- MacPherson Strut Suspension and Multi-link Suspension
- What impact does the Suspension System have on handling?
- How important is the Suspension System for ride comfort?
- Suspension system for road adaptability
What is a Suspension System?
The suspension system of a car refers to the structure and components used to support and control the movement between the vehicle's chassis and wheels. Its main functions are to provide suspension, shock absorption, and steering control. The key components include shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and linkages. These parts work together to ensure the vehicle maintains good stability, comfort, and handling, even on uneven road surfaces.
Types of Suspension Systems
There are currently two types of suspension systems: rigid suspension and independent suspension. Let's explore their differences, advantages, disadvantages, and which type is more commonly used.
Rigid Suspension vs. Independent Suspension
Rigid Suspension: Advantages and Disadvantages
Before understanding why the benefits of independent suspension systems are greater, let's first look at rigid suspension. In cars using a rigid suspension system, the wheels are connected by a rigid axle, so when one wheel tilts, the other wheel tilts as well. Rigid suspension is the first suspension system in automotive history, and today, it is rarely used except in 4×4 vehicles or some heavy-duty trucks. The reason is that it can carry greater loads and durability, providing better connectivity for the aforementioned types of vehicles.
Despite these advantages, the solid rod connecting the two tires means that when one tire is acting on the suspension, it will also affect the other tire. This means that the ride is uncomfortable, with greater vibrations leading to vehicle instability (increasing the likelihood of rollover).
Independent Suspension: how it works?
The independent suspension system allows each wheel to move independently through the control arm, without affecting the operation of other wheels. There are various types of independent suspension systems depending on the number and position of the control arms.
Independent Suspension System: Advantages and Disadvantages
Independent suspension is lighter than rigid suspension, which makes it more convenient for vehicle design. Additionally, since each tire moves independently, the movement of one tire does not affect the others. Whether driving in the city or on the highway, it provides the driver with a more stable and precise handling experience.
On the other hand, a disadvantage is that when one tire sinks for some reason (such as in mud), the other tire may lose traction. However, this issue is not very serious because off-road vehicles are typically equipped with four-wheel drive systems
MacPherson Strut Suspension and Multi-link Suspension
The MacPherson strut suspension and multi-link suspension are the most common. The MacPherson strut is typically installed at the front axle position, and its simple system configuration provides more space, making it easier to install steering system components at the front of the vehicle. Its response speed and rebound speed are very agile, resulting in a strong damping effect.
On the other hand, the multi-link or multi-arm suspension system is usually used at the rear axle. It uses four or more control arms to support the tires, allowing forces generated by uneven road surfaces and bumps to be distributed evenly, ensuring that the tires always remain in the correct position.
What impact does the Suspension System have on handling?
The automotive suspension system plays a crucial role in the vehicle's handling. When driving over bumpy roads, an appropriate suspension setup can provide good road feel and feedback, making it easier to understand the vehicle's dynamic characteristics during cornering, acceleration, and braking. Choosing a high-quality suspension system can offer good posture control and vehicle balance, ensuring that your vehicle remains stable and reliable at high speeds.
How important is the Suspension System for ride comfort?
In addition to handling, the automotive suspension system also significantly affects passenger comfort. Through the proper adjustment of shock absorbers and springs, the suspension system can reduce bumps and vibrations during driving, providing a smoother and more stable ride experience. This allows us to enjoy less jarring inside the vehicle, reducing discomfort and fatigue.
Suspension system for road adaptability
Different road conditions have varying impacts on vehicles, and a good suspension system can provide your vehicle with adaptability to various surfaces. The design of springs and shock absorbers allows the vehicle to better cope with rough terrain, maintaining contact between the vehicle and the road, providing better grip and traction while reducing slippage between the tires and the ground.
Conclusion
We all understand that the automotive suspension system is an essential component of the vehicle, playing a crucial role in handling, ride comfort, and road adaptability. Here, it is recommended that those choosing a better suspension system should prioritize the maintenance and care of the suspension system, and select a suitable suspension setup based on personal needs and driving environments to ensure optimal performance for your beloved car. Finally, please remember that the design and combination of these components vary depending on the type of vehicle and its intended use. Different suspension designs can directly affect a vehicle's handling, comfort, and adaptability, so automotive manufacturers choose the appropriate suspension system configuration based on the vehicle's needs.