Independent Suspension of Invariable Alignment Parameters by Using Flexible Links With Anisotropic Elasticity

This paper investigates an independent suspension with invariable alignment parameters by using flexible links of anisotropic elasticity. It focuses on the synthesis of elasticity of compliant flat links and establishes the mapping from the internal forces during jounce and rebound to the perturbation of the alignment parameters of the knuckle. The equivalent substitution of a flexible link to the infinite-R kinematic chain is first discussed by investigating the free motion and constraint of planar R-type kinematic chains. The rigid guidance capability of the suspension is then discussed from the viewpoint of perturbations of alignment parameters via investigating the lateral deflections of the anisotropic flexible links. At last the rib strengthened double level links on each side of the knuckle are proposed for engineering applications. Numerical simulations and model test show that this kind of suspension can provide very good alignment for the wheel.