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"  Vehicle dynamicists at engineering and test consultancy MIRA Ltd. , in the UK, have developed and patented a unique suspension design that, they claim, answers a conundrum which has long-faced car designers and manufacturers utilizing traditional double wishbone suspension layout \u2013 how to optimise their product for handling and comfort? A team of engineers deployed on an internal project led to the development of a revolutionary design that allows the optimization of both handling and comfort, resulting in the Interlinked Double Wishbone Suspension (IDWS) design achieving this in a unique way. Until now there has generally been a need to compromise. A point is reached at which either responsive handling or good isolation is determined to be the dominant concern and then begins the challenge of packaging the appropriate solution within the vehicle&amp;#039;s architecture. The IDWS overcomes this compromise by effectively decoupling the castor and longitudinal stiffness&amp;#039;s of the traditional double wishbone suspension \u2013 creating a solution that delivers the cornering, handling and steering performance of a double wishbone design but with the longitudinal isolation associated with a MacPherson strut arrangement (without its need for height and associated high wing/trunk lines).  Being both less complex and far more compact than the multi-link arrangements currently in widespread use to achieve similar results, means that the IDWS design can be exploited not only for its combination of dynamic performance and isolation but, also, by stylists seeking better packaging solutions for lower, sleeker lines and pedestrian impact performance criteria. Having been designed and modeled with the use of CAE, the IDWS design was then prototyped on a premium brand performance car that was originally fitted with a traditional double wishbone suspension, and tested on MIRA&amp;#039;s Suspension Kinematic &amp;amp;amp; Compliance Facility before being put through its paces on the test track. Vehicle dynamics consultant, Ian Willows added: &amp;quot;The physical performance of the IDWS confirmed the CAE predictions \u2013 delivering exceptional steering geometry control, particularly under braking, together with a threefold increase in longitudinal compliance, in comparison to the original standard double wishbone design. &amp;quot;The stiffness of the IDWS&amp;#039; componentry, particularly that of the lower control arm is crucial to its performance. Careful optimisation of the component geometry and material specification is required to realise the full potential of the design. Selection of bush stiffness ratios then allows independent control of the steering geometry and isolation performance to deliver the characteristics desired by the manufacturer.&amp;quot; As to when the IDWS will go into production, MIRA is inviting discussion with manufacturers interested in either licensing the design or purchasing the patented concept outright. Pending the outcome of negotiations, the IDWS is likely to be adopted as value added technology for premium vehicle models before filtering down to higher volume products. Related posts:   The Lamborghini LP700-4&amp;#039;s Suspension Buick&amp;#039;s new front suspension: HiPer Strut Video: Birth of a Lowering Spring: Inside Pedders Suspension  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/car-technology/news/a21958/suspension-revolution-36302/>