Design of a rectilinear suspension with automatic length compensation branches

• DOI: 10.1504/ijvd.2014.064372
• Publication Date: 2014-08-21T07:32:39Z
• Authors: Jing Shan Zhao; Xiang Liu; Zhi Jing Feng
• Keywords: 0209 industrial biotechnology; 02 engineering and technology

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.