Double Wishbone Suspension Research Articles

Kinematics characteristics of unsprung mass in a double wishbone suspension based on velocity transformation

Kinematics characteristics of unsprung mass in a double wishbone suspension based on velocity transformation

Design Optimization of the control arms of a Double Wishbone Suspension System using Topological Approach

This paper focuses on design optimization of an existing double wishbone type suspension system from a consumer vehicle. The suspension system acts as a key element in between the vehicle and the road, and has a significant impact on the handling and feel of the vehicle. The suspension system is a critical system that directly influences vehicle dynamics, ride comfort and overall driving experience. Optimizing core suspension factors such as weight, strength and geometry are a key to achieving optimal performance, handling, ride quality and stability. Known for its precise handling characteristics and superior ride comfort, the double wishbone suspension is an ideal candidate for improving its design to a new ceiling. By using FEM with the principles of topology optimization, we aim to create an optimized control arm design that is lighter in weight as compared to its original design, without significantly affecting its strength characteristics. Key Words: control arms, double wishbone suspension, topology optimization, design, efficiency, lightweight design.

Optimization Design of Double Wishbone Front Suspension Parameters for Large Mining Dump Truck and Analysis of Ride Comfort

With the advancement of technology, mining trucks are gradually becoming larger, imposing higher performance requirements on the front suspension. There is a need to transform the original integral non-independent front axle of mining dump trucks with a payload exceeding 300 tons into an independent front suspension with a double-wishbone suspension. The changing of the front suspension is bound to have an impact on the overall vehicle’s handling stability and ride comfort. Therefore, the following research is conducted to investigate and analyze these effects. Firstly, the paper proposes a method for optimizing the parameters of the double-wishbone front suspension. The double-wishbone front suspension is modeled, and a comparison with a kinematic model is conducted to validate the accuracy of the model. Secondly, unreasonable hardpoint parameters are optimized. Thirdly, a dynamic model of the entire vehicle is established based on the optimized parameters, and an analysis of handling stability and ride comfort for the entire vehicle is performed. Finally, simulation results are compared and analyzed against experimental data. The results indicate that the optimized positioning parameters not only effectively enhance the suspension performance of the mining dump truck but also meet the requirements for handling stability and smoothness. The overall smoothness of the vehicle is significantly improved after the modification. This study not only holds significant engineering value in reducing vibrations in dump trucks and enhancing driver comfort, but also provides theoretical support for subsequent research and development in the industry.

Explicit solution to the nonlinear geometry of double wishbone suspension by decoupling steering and wheel jumping DOF

The suspension system is vital to vehicle performance because it undertakes most of the interactions between wheels and the vehicle body. Due to the significant geometric nonlinearity, there is still a gap of suitable suspension models that are both accurate and computationally efficient. To solve the problem, this paper proposes an explicit solution to the nonlinear geometry of double wishbone suspension by decoupling steering and wheel jumping degrees of freedom (DOF). By discarding the small displacement assumption in the derivation process, the new model gets rid of repeated numerical iterations, resulting in substantial enhancement in computational efficiency. Furthermore, it is noticed in the comparative study that the proposed model can achieve the same level of accuracy as Adams. Benefiting from high computational efficiency and accuracy, the decoupling model presented is successfully used in the optimal design of a double wishbone suspension for smaller variation ranges of wheel alignment parameters. It is anticipated that the research will make significant contribution to fast dimension design of suspension geometry and real-time control of active variable geometry suspensions.

Random fatigue life prediction of composite components for double-wishbone suspension considering an improved crack propagation model

To predict the fatigue life of composite structures more accurately under random loads, some parameters are introduced, such as threshold value, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness. The overload hysteresis effect under random loads is considered to improve the crack growth rate model and obtain a random fatigue life prediction model. Taking the key components of the double-wishbone suspension as the research object, the random life prediction model for the key components was established, and the fatigue life test bench was built. By comparing and analyzing the numerical fatigue life, finite element simulation life, and physical test life, the effectiveness of numerical model and finite element model is illustrated.

Design and development of latex cup collector robot

Global rubber production has declined over the past few years as a result of a number of variables, including both environmental and human factors. In this paper, an automated robot prototype that collects latex cups was developed to improve global rubber production by assisting workers in rubber plantations. The robot was built on a mobile platform with a motorized Five Degrees of Freedom (DoF) robotic arm, Ackermann steering, double wishbone suspension, rear-wheel drive and a latex storage tank to store the latex collected from the trees. The robot was equipped with ultrasonic sensors and a camera module to locate latex cups and rubber trees so that it could move and perform tasks accurately. In addition, encoder sensor modules were used to improve the accuracy of the movements by measuring the rotational speed of the motors. The yield strength of the PLA plastic material used in developing the latex cup collector robot is 7.00 x 107N/m2 and the maximum stress of the critical parts should not exceed the maximum yield strength of the PLA plastic. In mobility test, the robot is able to travel through obstacles of 10mm and 15mm height. The topple angle of the robot in the balancing test is greater than 37°, ensuring the stability of the robot.

A Study of Finite Element Analysis and Topology Optimization of Upper Arm of Double Wishbone Suspension

A Study of Finite Element Analysis and Topology Optimization of Upper Arm of Double Wishbone Suspension

Design and Analytical Study to Improve the Ingredients of the 2012 Honda Accord's Double Wishbone Suspension System

Design and Analytical Study to Improve the Ingredients of the 2012 Honda Accord's Double Wishbone Suspension System

Lower Wishbone Modeling and Analysis for Commercial Vehicle Independent Suspension System

The primary goal of this paper is to design and analyse the entire double wishbone suspension system for a commercial vehicle in order to improve the vehicle’s stability and handling. The suspension system has seen tremendous advancement. A commercial vehicle’s suspension system must be long-lasting, light in weight, efficient, and cost-effective. The vehicle must be able to withstand the harsh off-road terrain environment. As a result, it is critical to concentrate on the stress strain analysis study of the lower wishbone arm in order to improve and modify the existing design.

Lightweight material for weight reductions in an automotive suspension part lower link

In the world of automobiles, the purpose of the suspension system is to provide stability under a variety of conditions, including accelerating, cornering, braking, uneven road, and so on, as well as absorb vibrations that are caused by rough terrains or road disturbances. Because it attaches the steering knuckle to the frame of the vehicle, a control arm is an essential component of the suspension system. When the wheels go over a bump, the arm of the suspension is responsible for the movement that causes them to go up and down. Additionally, it is designed to increase the friction between the tyre contacts and patch the road surface in order to provide vehicle stability regardless of the environment. It can be found in a number of different suspensions, such as wishbone and double wishbone suspensions, amongst others. In some circles, it is also referred to as an A-type control arm. In this work, looking for a weight reduction study based on the Steel material (various yield), aluminum and thickness iteration based on Steel material.

Optimal Design of Agricultural Mobile Robot Suspension System Based on NSGA-III and TOPSIS

The stability of vehicles is influenced by the suspension system. At present, there are many studies on the suspension of traditional passenger vehicles, but few are related to agricultural mobile robots. There are structural differences between the suspension system of agricultural mobile robots and passenger vehicles, which requires structural simplification and modelling concerning suspension of agricultural mobile robots. This study investigates the optimal design for an agricultural mobile robot’s suspension system designed based on a double wishbone suspension structure. The dynamics of the quarter suspension system were modelled based on Lagrange’s equation. In our work, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III (NSGA-III) was selected for conducting multi-objective optimization of the suspension design, combined with the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to choose the optimal combination of parameters in the non-dominated solution set obtained by NSGA-III. We compared the performance of NSGA-III with that of other multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs). Compared with the second-scoring solution, the score of the optimal solution obtained by NSGA-III increased by 4.92%, indicating that NSGA-III has a significant advantage in terms of the solution quality and robustness for the optimal design of the suspension system. This was verified by simulation in Adams that our method, which utilizes multibody dynamics, NSGA-III and TOPSIS, is feasible to determine the optimal design of a suspension system for an agricultural mobile robot.

Design and optimisation of double wishbone suspension for high performance vehicles

Design and optimisation of double wishbone suspension for high performance vehicles

Design and optimisation of double wishbone suspension for high performance vehicles

Design and optimisation of double wishbone suspension for high performance vehicles

Research on a New Type of Catamaran with Shock-Absorbing and Energy-Saving Suspension Structure

At present, the suspended structure catamaran is composed of the main ship on the water and the side bodies symmetrically distributed on the hull. Such a structure avoids the direct contact of the main ship with the water surface, and has good stability. In this paper, a shock absorption system for ships is designed. It is undertaken by the double wishbone independent suspension system, which includes the upper wishbone, the lower wishbone, the bracket, the shock absorber and other components. The double wishbone suspension system is used in the shock absorption of this project, which can well cope with the huge impact brought by the waves. The 3D model of the hull is modeled, and the external flow field simulation of the catamaran is carried out by using starccm+ software, and the design optimization of the tail structure and thruster is realized.

Analytical Derivation and Analysis of Vertical and Lateral Installation Ratios for Swing Axle, McPherson and Double Wishbone Suspension Architectures

In the context of suspension design, the installation ratio (or motion ratio) is a parameter that relates wheel movement with spring deflection, quite an important kinematic property of a suspension. Yet, no study in the literature provides a clear relationship between the installation ratio and the geometrical features of a suspension. This paper employs rigid body kinematics and appropriate geometrical schematics to fill such a gap. Analytical expressions of the installation ratio are derived for three suspension layouts: swing axle, McPherson, double wishbone. Key concepts such as instant center, roll center and camber gain are harnessed to provide insightful analyses for relevant case studies of suspension passenger cars. Among the key results, the typical assumption of a McPherson installation ratio close to 1 is supported by a formal demonstration, and the new concept of “lateral” installation ratio is introduced which, alongside the classical “vertical” installation ratio, further characterizes suspension motion. Numerical results obtained through a multibody software support the findings of this paper. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights for suspension design engineers.

Prediction and Experimental Verification of Distortion due to Residual Stresses in a Ti-6Al-4V Control Arm Plate

This study evaluates the distortion in an SLM-printed Ti-6Al-4V control arm plate of a double-wishbone suspension linkage. Temperature gradients are a common observation in selective laser melting (SLM). The development of residual stresses can lead to performance-based concerns due to the distortions emerging in part. Despite these shortcomings, SLM has often been employed in manufacturing high-end structural components under its ability to produce complex geometries. A thermomechanical simulation predicts the residual stresses developed in part and the distortions generated by those stresses. The simulation model is validated by reconstructing the printed part using computerized tomography (CT) and aligning it with the original design. The results reveal a close correlation between the predicted and the observed distortion, with the thickness of features and the location of support structures having a significant impact on postprint parts. Additionally, the study on build orientation helps understand the distribution of residual stresses and their redistribution after removing support structures.

Series Active Variable Geometry Suspension: Full-Car Prototyping and Road Testing

In this article, a full-car prototype of the recently proposed mechatronic suspension, series active variable geometry suspension (SAVGS), is developed for the on-road driving experimental proof of concept, aiming to be adopted by suspension original equipment manufacturers as an alternative solution to fully active suspensions. Particularly, mechanical modifications are performed to both corners of the front double-wishbone suspension of a production car with active single link attached to the upper ends of the spring–damper units, while both corners of the rear suspension remain in the original (passive) configurations. The mechanical modifications involve innovatively designed parts to enable the desired suspension performance improvements while maintaining ride harshness at the conventional levels. A real-time embedded system is further developed to primarily implement power supply, data acquisition, and measurements of the vehicle dynamics-related variables, and robust control application for the ride comfort and road holding enhancement, which is based on a derived linearized model of the full-car dynamics and a newly synthesized H-infinity control scheme. The results obtained from the on-road driving experiments are in essential agreement with numerical simulation results also produced. Overall, the full-car prototype of SAVGS demonstrates promising suspension performance with an average 3 dB attenuation (or equivalently 30% reduction) of the chassis vertical acceleration at around the human-sensitive frequencies (2–5 Hz), as compared with the original vehicle with the passive suspension system. More importantly, the prototype also indicates the practicality of the solution, as the SAVGS retrofit to a real car is achieved by simple mechanical modifications, compact actuator packaging, small mass increment (21.5 kg increase with respect to the original vehicle), limited power usage (an average value of 134 W in dc batteries with a Class D random road), and acceptable economic cost.

Analysis and Optimization of Suspension Spring Stiffness for Improving Frequency Response Characteristics of the Vehicle

The work puts forward a way to research the kinematics of front double wishbone suspension by virtue of analytical method. A way of discussing the kinematics of rear five-link suspension is put forward by means of space coordinate transformation. The influence of suspension spring stiffness on the suspension characteristics is analyzed. The vehicle frequency response index is deduced in view of theoretical model of equivalent handling stability. The relationship between the vehicle frequency characteristic index and the frequency of the steering wheel angle under the variation of spring stiffness is gained, and the influence mechanism of spring stiffness on the vehicle frequency characteristics is explained. The suspension spring stiffness is the optimization variable, the vehicle frequency characteristic index is the optimization objective, and genetic algorithm is used to optimize the vehicle frequency characteristic.

Enhancing the tractive performance of unmanned vehicles using an optimised wheel-step driving system

A wheel-step driving system that can realise a wheel-step driving mode is proposed to improve the tractive performances of wheeled unmanned vehicles when driving on soft roads. Although the wheel-step driving system proposed in this paper adopts double wishbone suspension, it also can be applied for different suspension configurations after adjustment. In this paper, a typical sandy soil and a designated tyre are selected as hypotheses to verify the enhanced effect of wheel-step driving system on tractive performance. First, the wheel-soil interaction mechanism of the wheel-step driving mode is analysed based on terramechanics theory and the wheel-step driving strategy is optimised. The tractive performances of the wheel-step driving mode and the normal driving mode are compared and analysed through numerical calculations. Then, a soil model is established using discrete element software and a wheel model is established using dynamics software; the coupled simulation of the dynamic and discrete elements compares the drawbar pull, the driving torque and the sinkage in the normal driving mode, the wheel-step driving mode and the optimised wheel-step driving mode. The simulation data verify the effectiveness of the optimisation strategy used and the enhancement effect of the wheel-step driving mode on the traction performance. Finally, a soil-bin test system is built and a tractive performance experiment is performed. The experimental data and the simulation data show good agreement, thus verifying the correctness of the simulation model.

Analysis and optimization of vehicle handling stability with considering front and rear suspension hard point coordinates

For the front double wishbone suspension, starting from the space analytic geometry, a method of describing the movement law of the its is proposed and kinematic analysis is performed, and then the expressions of front wheel alignment parameters are derived by the vector method. Based on the theory of space coordinate transformation, a method of analyzing the kinematics of the five-link suspension is proposed, and the toe angle and camber angle of the rear wheels are derived. The virtual kingpin of the rear suspension is approximated by the instant screw axis method to obtain the expressions of the kingpin alignment parameters. The sensitivity analysis of the impact of the hard point coordinates on the suspension performance indicators is obtained, and the hard point coordinates that are most sensitive to the front and rear suspension performance indicators are obtained. And this is used as the analysis object to explore the influence of the hard point coordinate changes on the wheel alignment parameters. The frequency response index of the vehicle is derived from the vehicle dynamics model, and the change law of the frequency response index of the vehicle in the low and high frequencies is obtained based on swept-sine input simulation. Finally, the sensitivity analysis of the vehicle handling stability is carried out on the hard point coordinates, and the more sensitive hard point coordinates are selected as the optimization variables. The vehicle frequency characteristic index is used as the optimization target, and the NSGA-II algorithm is used for multi-objective optimization. After optimization, the result shows that the handing stability of the vehicle in the low frequency range has been improved.