Independent suspension is a broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically (i.e. reacting to a bump in the road) independently of each other. This is contrasted with a beam axle system in which the wheels are linked movement on one side affects the wheel on the other side. Note that independent refers to the motion or path of movement of the wheels/suspension. It is common for the left and right sides of the suspension to be connected with anti-roll bars or other such mechanisms. The anti-roll bar ties the left and right suspension spring rates together but does not tie their motion together.
Comparison of both the systems : The independent system provides many advantages over the other system. This offers many advantages such as greater ride comfort, better traction, and safer, more stable vehicles on and off the road. The disadvantage it possesses is that, to achieve the same loading capacity of the beam axle type of suspension, the cost of this system goes up. The principal advantage of the beam axle is that it can withstand greater loads and is simple and cheap to manufacture. It also engages little or no interior volume within the vehicle. Solution Required : Which type of suspension system to be used which offers a better value to the customer of this class? Would you give the customer better ride or better loading capacity? Constraints : 1) There are very likely chances that the customer will overload the vehicle. 2) Competition in this category is very heavy. All competitors use beam axle for better loading.
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