Articulating Suspension Platform With Chained Bar Linkages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock absorbers in vehicles limit wheel contact and obstacle climbing due to a single pivot design, restricting vertical displacement and lateral stability, especially when navigating rough terrain or obstacles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with an articulating suspension platform using mirrored and chained bar linkages, coupled with shock dampeners, allows independent articulation of each wheel, transferring forces across the vehicle's length and width, enhancing stability and obstacle climbing capacity by using a rear stabilizer bar to control force distribution and prevent chassis flipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional shock absorbers with single pivot design are used, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the vertical displacement of wheels is limited to 0.5 to 1.5 times the wheel diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent links (front links, rear links, stabilizer bars) that can articulate independently. Each link is connected through pivot points, allowing segmented motion that enables greater vertical wheel displacement while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system transitions from a single-pivot arc motion to a multi-dimensional articulation path using chained bar linkages. The links can move in multiple directions and planes, enabling vertical displacement exceeding 1.5 times wheel diameter while distributing forces across multiple dimensions
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional shock absorbers with single pivot are used, then the device complexity is low, but lateral stability and obstacle climbing capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rear stabilizer bar merges the left and right sides of the vehicle into a connected system, allowing force distribution across both sides. This merging of previously independent suspension sides enhances lateral stability while the modular linkage design keeps individual components manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Shock dampeners are introduced as intermediary elements between the articulating links and the chassis. These intermediaries absorb and dampen forces generated by the complex linkage articulation, providing stability while allowing the complex suspension geometry to function
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shock absorbers limit wheel vertical displacement, then the structure is simpler, but obstacle climbing capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system employs dynamic articulation through multiple pivot points and linked bars, allowing the wheel assembly to adapt its motion path in real-time. This dynamic capability enables the wheels to achieve vertical displacement greater than 1.5 times their diameter, significantly improving obstacle climbing capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The independent link design allows each wheel assembly to articulate separately through segmented connections. This segmentation enables each wheel to independently adapt to obstacles while the overall system maintains controlled complexity through standardized link components
4Reliability
If forces are transferred across the vehicle length and width through multiple links, then stability and obstacle climbing improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rear stabilizer bar merges force transfer paths between left and right sides of the vehicle, creating an integrated force distribution system. This merging ensures reliable force transfer across the vehicle while the symmetrical design of the linked bars keeps the added complexity manageable and predictable
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
This configuration enables greater vertical displacement of wheels, improved lateral stability, and enhanced obstacle traversal capabilities, allowing the vehicle to climb larger obstacles with increased stability and efficient force distribution across wheels.
Implementation Method 1
A shock absorber is a mechanical or hydraulic device designed to absorb and dampen shock impulses. A shock absorber converts kinetic energy of the shock into another form of energy, such as heat, which is then dissipated.
Implementation Method 2
The first shock dampener may be a first type of spring, with a first length, width, and number of coils
Implementation Method 3
Alternatively, the first shock dampener may be a linear actuator configured to raise and lower the chassis, or level a single side of the vehicle if the other side of the vehicle is positioned on an incline
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclose systems and methods for a vehicle with an articulating suspension exploration platform with shock dampening. More specifically, embodiments include a passive articulating of forces by mirroring and chaining bar linkages.