Synthesis and optimization of an eight-bar linkage mechanism for seat suspensions

The work presents the analysis and synthesis of an eight-link mechanism for industrial seat suspension, followed by a numerical optimization design under specific technical requirements. Even though eight-bar linkage is well-known architecture, it has few applications in suspensions, shows interesting features compared with more traditional scissor systems. It possible to exploit this mechanism, provided that correctly designed, achieve suspension system, which grants large quasi-perfect vertical motion, without need prismatic couplers, are often weak point off-highway application due their maintenance issues cost. Firstly, problem was tackled analytically order obtain general set equations verified numerically multibody solver. Secondly, choose best solution application, we carried out aimed at minimizing horizontal displacement along granting desired travel needed. results both procedure optimize constraints suspensions problems detailed embodiment systems agricultural field.