Abstract
The patented Metaldyne Suspension System (MSS) is a simple, elegant front suspension system that geometrically cancels the majority of the loads that enter the vehicle via the tire contact patches. The result is elimination of parts, weight and cost. Simultaneously, MSS provides improvements in the areas of rollover safety, yaw control, and ride quality (including large reduction in head toss).
`Anti-technology´ is one way to describe MSS. Instead of adding systems, parts, and complexity, MSS uses the existing control arms in a new way to naturally balance the forces that would otherwise lead to body roll and dive. That said, MSS is compatible with and a compliment to active shock absorber technologies and electronic stability systems.
Succinctly, the Suspension operates by inverting the conventional movement relationship between the wheel and the vehicle. In roll, the body rolls out-of-phase with the wheel/tire. In other words, as the body rolls clockwise the wheels roll counterclockwise. This relationship is captured in the mathematical construct known in the industry as roll center height. MSS is unique in that the roll center is higher than the instant center of the suspension.