An Optimal Design of the Suspension Linkage

This paper proposes an optimal method for the air suspension linkages design, which takes multiple critical geometric dimensions of the linkage as design variables, takes the maximum stress of critical areas in certain parts and the total mass of the assembly as objective functions, normalizes those objectives, and combines them together to evaluate the design. A design flow is developed to integrate the proposed method with a 3-D modeling software and a finite element software, and to expedite the design process. The effect of design variables on the stress of each part and on the mass is analyzed. Based on the sensitivity analysis and the objectives' values, the best design is determined from several available candidate schemes. The stress at critical areas is decreased significantly, as well as the total mass, which improve the safety and cut the cost. The optimization method is also applicable to any multi-parameter multi-objective mechanical part design.