Design and simulation of a suspension system for a four-wheeled HPV

This work presents the design and simulation of a suspension system for a four-wheel, single-rider human-powered vehicle (HPV) to enhance stability and maneuverability on uneven terrain. The system, designed with lightweight components such as springs and shock absorbers available on the market, avoids the use of complete commercial suspensions. Static structural analyses using finite element methods were conducted to evaluate materials and geometries, along with dynamic simulations in MSC ADAMSDD. A comparison of the vertical and lateral displacement of the center of mass between the proposed system and a similar commercial model showed a 50% reduction in vertical displacement. This system improves impact absorption and HPV stability while meeting functional requirements and using accessible materials, making it an effective and cost-efficient solution for this type of vehicle.