Heiluriakselijärjestelmä

Heiluriakselijärjestelmä, often translated as pendulum axle system, refers to a type of suspension geometry used in vehicles. Its primary characteristic is a transverse beam or shaft that connects the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle. This shaft acts as a pivot point, allowing the wheels to move up and down independently to some extent.

The core principle of a heiluriakselijärjestelmä is to provide a degree of wheel articulation. When one wheel encounters an obstacle and moves upwards, the pendulum axle allows the opposite wheel to move downwards. This helps maintain tire contact with the road surface, improving traction and ride comfort, especially on uneven terrain.

This system has been employed in various automotive applications throughout history, though it is less common in modern passenger cars compared to independent suspension systems. It can be found in some older vehicle designs and specific industrial or agricultural machinery where robustness and a simple, effective suspension are prioritized. The design offers a compromise between the simplicity of a solid axle and the articulation of independent suspension. Its effectiveness is dependent on factors such as the length of the axle, the mounting points, and the damping mechanisms employed.