Title: Design of a rectilinear suspension with automatic length compensation branches

Authors: Jing-Shan Zhao; Xiang Liu; Zhi-Jing Feng

Addresses: State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China ' State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China ' State Key Laboratory of Tribology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

Abstract: This paper proposes an independent suspension whose alignment parameters are theoretically invariable during jounce and rebound. Each kinematic chain of the suspension consists of a 3-RRR linkage that could automatically compensate for the axial distance change. The motions of the 3-RRR linkages and the knuckle are investigated from the viewpoints of screw theory and geometry. The equivalent torsional stiffness, bending stiffness and shear stiffness of a 3-RRR linkage are investigated to demonstrate the feasibility of engineering applications. Research results show that this complex linkage has better mechanical properties than those of a prismatic joint when used as a passive connection. As a result, the 3-RRR linkage has accurate alignment ability on the one hand and could keep the compact space in design while having the required strength and compliance on the other hand.

Keywords: passive length compensation; rectilinear suspension; vehicle design; vehicle suspension; kinematic chains; axial distance change; screw theory; geometry; torsional stiffness; bending stiffness; shear stiffness; 3-RRR linkage; alignment parameters.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2014.064372

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2014 Vol.66 No.1, pp.43 - 68

Received: 03 Nov 2012
Accepted: 28 Apr 2013
Published online: 30 Oct 2014 *

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