Removing shocks, replacing with solid core rubber
03-31-2009, 04:35 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
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Removing shocks, replacing with solid core rubber
Yeah, give me some of that high-tech rubber cone action...
http://www.minisport.com/acatalog/Mi...le_Joints.html
I can't believe they used solid rubber cones for the suspension on the Mini.
I hope the seats were spring loaded, EU roads with solid rubber cones?
Ouch.
http://www.minisport.com/acatalog/Mi...le_Joints.html
I can't believe they used solid rubber cones for the suspension on the Mini.
I hope the seats were spring loaded, EU roads with solid rubber cones?
Ouch.
03-31-2009, 05:09 PM
#2
Nordschleife Master
Yeah, give me some of that high-tech rubber cone action...
http://www.minisport.com/acatalog/Mi...le_Joints.html
I can't believe they used solid rubber cones for the suspension on the Mini.
I hope the seats were spring loaded, EU roads with solid rubber cones?
Ouch.
http://www.minisport.com/acatalog/Mi...le_Joints.html
I can't believe they used solid rubber cones for the suspension on the Mini.
I hope the seats were spring loaded, EU roads with solid rubber cones?
Ouch.
03-31-2009, 06:16 PM
#4
TRB0 GUY
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To save people the hassle...
My engineering mind is quite fascinated by this, actually. I'm actually more inclined to purchase an original Mini after reading this little tidbit. I like suspension oddities. 
The suspension system, designed by Issigonis' friend Dr. Alex Moulton at Moulton Developments Limited, used compact rubber cones instead of conventional springs. This ingenious space-saving design also featured rising progressive rate springing of the cones, and provided some natural damping force. Built into the subframes, the rubber cone system gave a raw and bumpy ride which was accentuated by the woven-webbing seats, but the rigidity of the rubber cones, together with the wheels being pushed out to the corners of the car, gave the Mini go kart-like handling that would become famous.
Last edited by FSAEracer03; 03-31-2009 at 06:17 PM. Reason: spelling fail
03-31-2009, 06:47 PM
#5
Nordschleife Master
http://www.fbodaily.com/archive/2008...O-01711226.htm
original so bad they redesigned the entire vehicle around a new suspension...
http://www.forceprotection.net/model...garIS_spec.pdf
03-31-2009, 06:57 PM
#6
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Well first of all, to make this clear - Austin and the guys didn't replace the shocks with conical rubber, but the springs. Secondly, the Mini isn't exactly a large vehicle, so comparing larger vehicles to this design isn't too valid. No suspension system is a universal - they all require specific context and application in order to be designed well. Given the Mini's cult following regarding its handling and go-kart nature, I'd say it was executed somewhat well.
03-31-2009, 07:04 PM
#7
Nordschleife Master
Well first of all, to make this clear - Austin and the guys didn't replace the shocks with conical rubber, but the springs. Secondly, the Mini isn't exactly a large vehicle, so comparing larger vehicles to this design isn't too valid. No suspension system is a universal - they all require specific context and application in order to be designed well. Given the Mini's cult following regarding its handling and go-kart nature, I'd say it was executed somewhat well.
Lighter vehicle needs significantly less suspension, but anything can be improved... AND the referenced article listed the reason for using the rubber on the MINI was lack of time to do anything better...
