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A methodology is presented for the design of vehicle suspension systems that vastly reduces the iteration required to achieve a given elasto-kinematic performance target. At the heart of the technique is the concept of an Equivalent Elastic Mechanism (EEM); a simple and intuitive mechanism, which can always be configured to replicate perfectly the elasto-kinematic behaviour of any compliant linkage, irrespective of its complexity. The paper describes the concept of the EEM, its derivation and different methods for its visualisation. Furthermore, it shows how an “ideal” EEM can also be calculated from an elasto-kinematic specification and how this EEM can be used to select and configure an appropriate suspension architecture.

This paper presents an approach to suspension linkage design that avoids the geometry iteration process typically required to ensure specific kinematic behaviour in the design condition. It is built around a model of behaviour for linkages and consists of geometric constraints applied during the design process that guarantee the design condition kinematic characteristics of the linkage. The approach is described in sufficient detail for it to be implemented within a spreadsheet or a parametric CAD model. Several examples are given of how it can be used to configure well-known non-trivial suspension architectures, such as that of the 5-link.

Most suspension designers are familiar with both the concept of the roll centre and with suspension jacking in independent suspensions. The connection between them is less widely appreciated. This paper analyses the mechanisms of jacking, using the roll centre concept as a departure point. In doing so, a set of hand calculations, intended as a toolkit for the designer, is developed. Practical applications of the theory are discussed, such as ‘zero jacking’ suspensions and gradient traverse performance of off-road vehicles.