Asymmetric Snowmobile Ski Steering for Side-Hilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowmobile steering systems limit the angle of steering for side-hilling, causing components to collide and potentially damage the snowmobile, while altering ski stance and toe angles to increase turning capability can compromise balance and handling.
Innovation Solution
A snowmobile steering system where the right ski is turned counterclockwise by a greater angle than the left ski during left turns, and the left ski is turned clockwise by a greater angle than the right ski during right turns, without the need for increased ski stance or toe angles, thereby enhancing side-hilling capability without compromising balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handlebar is turned more to increase steering angle for side-hilling, then the hill-side ski can be turned more away from the hill improving side-hilling capability, but components of the steering system come into contact with other components causing potential damage and limiting further turning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the hill-side ski turnable at greater angles than the other ski. The steering system is designed so that the hill-side ski (e.g., left ski when moving uphill on the left side) can be turned further away from the hill compared to the other ski, allowing the operator to more effectively counter-steer and maintain balance during side-hilling maneuvers without causing component contact
2Ease of operation
If the ski stance and toe angles are changed to increase the degree of turning of the skis, then the skis can be turned more for side-hilling, but the balance and handling of the snowmobile are compromised when not side-hilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the ski stance and toe angles adjustable rather than fixed. The system allows the hill-side ski to have a greater turning capability when needed for side-hilling, while maintaining proper balance and handling characteristics when not in use. This is achieved through adjustable ski stance (distance between skis) and toe angle (angle between skis and longitudinal line when steered straight) that can be configured based on operating conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A snowmobile has: a frame having a tunnel; a seat disposed at least in part over the tunnel; a motor supported by the frame; an endless drive track disposed at least in part under the tunnel, the endless drive track being driven by the motor; a steering system including a handlebar, the handlebar being pivotally connected to the frame; a left ski operatively connected to the steering system; and a right ski operatively connected to the steering system. The steering system is configured such that, in response to the handlebar being turned for making a left turn, the right ski is turned counterclockwise, as viewed from above the snowmobile, by a greater angle than the left ski; and in response to the handlebar being turned for making a right turn, the left ski is turned clockwise, as viewed from above the snowmobile, by a greater angle than the right ski.