Adjustable Vehicle Suspension with Coil Spring and Travel Stop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspension systems for vehicles, particularly motorcycles, trikes, and trailers, often lack adjustability and rigidity, leading to performance, comfort, and safety issues, and while advanced systems provide high performance, they are complex and costly to maintain.

Innovation Solution

A suspension system with a frame, swing arm, striker, travel stop, and compressible elements that allow adjustable resistance, enabling easy installation, removal, and maintenance, and accommodating various vehicle configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple suspension system is used, then the cost is reduced, but the performance and comfort are deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidperformance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system employs a coil spring that dynamically compresses and expands to absorb and dissipate shock loads, transforming the rigid simple suspension into a dynamic system that adapts to road conditions while maintaining cost-effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows adjustment of suspension characteristics by changing the coil spring parameter (spring rate) to match different vehicle weights and applications, thereby optimizing performance without increasing system complexity or cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If a rigid suspension system is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the ride comfort is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidride comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coil spring is pre-loaded and positioned to cushion shock loads before they reach the vehicle frame, absorbing impact energy in advance and preventing direct transmission of harsh vibrations to the vehicle and rider

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If a non-adjustable suspension system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidadjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides adjustability by allowing the user to change the coil spring parameter (spring rate) to match different vehicle configurations and weights, achieving adaptability through a simple parameter change rather than complex mechanical adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system provides an adjustable single resistance suspension that enhances vehicle stability and ease of use, offering improved performance, comfort, and safety while being economical and easy to maintain.

Implementation Method 1

a coil spring disposed on the first portion of the frame. The striker contacts the coil spring when the swing arm is in the first position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8684383B1Adjustable suspension system and method for suspending a vehicle

Publication Date: 2014.04.01 MULLINS RAYMOND

AI summary

A suspension apparatus for a vehicle has a frame with a first portion and a second portion substantially perpendicular to the first portion. A swing arm is pivotably connected to the frame allowing movement of the swing arm. A striker contacts the first portion of the frame. A travel stop connects to the frame to limit the movement of the swing arm. A spindle and a hub connect to the spindle for connecting a wheel.