Type synthesis of function-generating mechanisms for seat suspensions

Mechanisms with “negative” stiffness are a unique tool used to significantly improve vibration isolation for a vehicle driver via upgrade of the seat suspension. However, connection of such mechanisms to the suspension results in errors in the function generation process, and in most cases, makes motion impossible. An approach to type synthesis is presented in order to make this process more predictable, easy and thus more practical for the upgrade process. Structural classification of the suspensions is presented, and -an atlas of function-generating mechanisms for suspensions that reveals the effect of “negative” stiffness is completed. All of the function-generating mechanisms appear in the atlas as result of enumeration. Structural properties of novel and existing mechanisms are compared. Finally, some advantages in practical use of novel suspensions with “negative” stiffness are illustrated.