Proposal for a Wheel Suspension Mechanism with Controlled Characteristics

This article presents the design of an overconstrained suspension mechanism based on five-link suspension. The system contains kinematic joints with a simple on-off control system, which enables it to change the kinematic scheme and, consequently, the suspension characteristics (the longitudinal and lateral movement of the wheel centre point, steering angle, camber and caster angle, etc.). A wheel suspension mechanism with controlled characteristics enables the adaption of suspension behavior according to the driving situation and an optimization of the vehicle dynamics, handling and comfort.