Title: Modelling, feasibility and performance analyses of a 3-DOF parallel mechanism employed in a rear vehicle suspension

Authors: Fernando Malvezzi; Tarcisio Antonio Hess-Coelho

Addresses: Maua Institute of Technology, Praça Mauá, 1 – São Caetano do Sul – SP, CEP: 09580-900, Brazil ' Department of Mechatronics and Mechanical Systems Engineering, Polytechnic School, University of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 2331 – Butantã, São Paulo – SP, CEP: 05508-900, Brazil

Abstract: This work deals with a three-degree-of-freedom mechanism for rear independent suspensions, capable to adjust simultaneously the camber, toe and roll angles. Topologically, the mechanism is parallel and asymmetric with three distinct active kinematic chains. In this paper, the kinematic and kinetostatic models are developed. In order to evaluate how promising this mechanism is, two analyses are conducted. First, a performance analysis evaluates the influence of the mechanism actuation on the vehicle dynamic behaviour and, second, a feasibility analysis determines a suitable stroke and the required force/power for the actuators. The obtained results have shown the capability of the mechanism to improve vehicle handling performance, when compared to a car equipped with a conventional suspension system. The evaluation is based on three manoeuvres: a steady-state cornering, a fishhook and a double lane change. Moreover, the mechanism feasibility analysis has shown that the actuator's stroke, velocity and force can be obtained by using standard hydraulic or eletromechanical actuators.

Keywords: active chassis systems; handling performance; vehicle dynamics; parallel mechanisms; automotive suspension; vehicle suspension; feasibility analysis; performance evaluation; rear suspension; camber angle; roll angle; camber, toe angle; vehicle handling; kinematic chains; kinematic modelling; kinetostatic modelling; steady-state cornering; fishhook; double lane change; actuator stroke; actuator velocity; actuator force; hydraulic actuators; eletromechanical actuators.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVSMT.2015.067521

International Journal of Vehicle Systems Modelling and Testing, 2015 Vol.10 No.1, pp.53 - 73

Received: 11 Oct 2013
Accepted: 18 Feb 2014
Published online: 18 Mar 2015 *

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