Suspension is one of the most important parts when come to automobile. In present times, the independent front suspension system has become popular in many different types of vehicles. In the following time, we will find out what are the most popular independent suspension systems are, and also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of them. OK, here we go.
Firstly, let us talk about independent suspension. We know that independent suspension can be defined as a suspension arrangement in which no rigid beam axle is used and both wheels are separately connected to the carriage unit.
Independent suspension used for front wheels is known as Front Wheel Independent Suspension (IFS), whereas the independent suspension used for rear wheels is known as Rear Wheel Independent Suspension (RFS).
Here are the 5 mainly types of front wheel independent suspensions:
1.Double Wishbone Type Suspension
2.MacPherson Strut Type Suspension
3.Vertical Guide Type Suspension
4.Trailing Link Type Suspension
5.Swimming Half-Axle Type Suspension
Let us discuss each in brief.
1.Double Wishbone Type Suspension
A typical double wishbone type suspension can be shown as picture. It consists of two suspension or control arms. For each wheel called the upper wishbone arm and lower wishbone arm. These arms are named wishbone because they take the shape of chicken wishbone.
As picture shows, the open ends of both control arms are pivoted to the chassis frame, whereas the closed ends are connected to the stub axle. With the help of a connecting arm and king pin, the coil spring with the shock absorber is placed in between the lower wishbone and the frame member.
When the wheel hits a raised pavement, the control arms move up. Thus compressing the coil spring since the shock absorber is also fitted with the spring. It damps the vibrations setting up in the coil spring.
Advantages of Double Wishbone Type Suspension:
- It keeps the wheels in correct position.
- It transmits the sprung weight to the spring.
- It resists the acceleration, braking or cornering forces.
Also the upper control arm is kept shorter in length than the lower control arm. This is done to keep the wheel track constant while cornering, thereby providing less tyre scrub.
2.MacPherson Strut Type Suspension
A typical MacPherson strut type suspension can be shown as picture. It consists of a single lower wishbone arm which is hinged to the chassis of the automobile. The other end of this fish bone arm is attached to the strut through a joint.
The strut containing the shock absorber and the spring is connected to the stub axle, which carries the wheel the upper end of this. Meanwhile, strut is fixed to the body structure through a flexible mounting. Due to this, a stronger body is required to absorb the full suspension load. Therefore frame-less chassis construction is preferred for this suspension.
Here, the straining motion of the wheel is provided through the lower control arm.
Advantages of MacPherson Strut Type Suspension:
- easy and cheap in construction
- requires less maintenance
- lower upsprung weight
- requires very less space so preferred in front wheel driven automobiles
3.Vertical Guide Type Suspension
A vertical guide type suspension can be shown as picture. It consists of an extended cross member, on which the king pin of the stub axle is attached at one end. The coil spring and the shock absorber is attached on this stub axle. While the other end of the king pin is fixed to an upper spacing bar, which according to the up and down motion of the wheel.
The king pin is also allowed to move up and down. Thus compressing or elongating the spring.
Major disadvantage of Vertical Guide Type Suspension:
- decreased stability of automobile
4.Trailing Link Type Suspension
A typical trailing link type suspension can be shown as picture. In this suspension, a horizontal torsion spring with shock absorber is attached to a training linkage, which is attached to the shaft tat carries the wheel hub. While the other end of the coil spring is attached to the frame side member.
When the wheel moves up or down, it winds or unwinds the spring respectively in some automobiles. Torsion bar is also used in place of coil springs.
Disadvantages of Trailing Link Type Suspension:
- distance between front and rear wheels changes
- requires much space
5.Swinging Half-Axle Type Suspension
A typical swinging half-axle type suspension can be shown as picture. In this suspension, both wheels are mounted rigidly on the half axles, which are pivoted on their ends to the chassis member at the center of the vehicle. While the spring with the shock absorber is mounted on this half axle.
When one wheel of the automobile experiences road shocks, the axle without yield swings up or down without affecting the other wheel.
Disadvantages of Swinging Half-Axle Type Suspension:
- During up and down movement, the wheel does not remain perpendicular to road.
- During cornering, the outer wheel tilts outwards thus losing traction.
Conclusion:
Out of above five suspension, double wishbone and MacPherson strut suspension are most commonly used because the above advantages.
Now let us summarize the front wheel independent suspensions are：
1.Double Wishbone Type Suspension
2.MacPherson Strut Type Suspension
3.Vertical Guide Type Suspension
4.Trailing Link Type Suspension
5.Swimming Half-axle Type Suspension
The most popular independent front suspensions are:
1.Double Wishbone Type Suspension
2.MacPherson Strut Type Suspension
Well, I hope this article can provide you more supports when purchase a new car. Forward it to people who may looking for this information. We will see you next time.
Post time: Jul-30-2022