Fundamental Physics Behind New Suspension Concept for Automobiles 2000-01-1647

The Transverse Leaf suspension with Superior Roll Axis is a new suspension concept for automobiles. It enables the load transfer during a turn to be more evenly redistributed between the two wheels on the same axle thus optimizing its tires lateral force capabilities. The TLSRA concept is made up of a single transverse leaf spring linking the middle of the sprung mass to the outer end of 2 transverse suspension arms per axle. Those transverse arms are mounted close to the middle of the sprung mass with their attachment points located above the mass centroïd. Each wheel assembly is mounted directly onto the free end of its respective suspension arm. Because body roll is now counteracting vertical load transfer during transient and permanent operating conditions, this suspension enables designers to keep spring stiffness low without compromising road handling.

This paper describes the TL-SRA concept through mathematical analysis and by comparing it to the dynamic operation of a conventional suspension. It is shown that the TL-SRA concept promises improvement in road handling capabilities as well as ride characteristics over conventional suspensions.