ATV Suspension Geometry Resolving Drive Shaft Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In four-wheel drive all terrain vehicles, it is challenging to connect shock absorbers to the lower arms without obstructing the drive shafts, leading to potential contact between the upper ends of the shock absorbers and the upper arms, and extending the vehicle frame forward to avoid this issue can result in the front lower portion contacting the ground.
Innovation Solution
The shock absorbers are connected to the lower arms with their upper ends attached to the vehicle frame, positioned in front of the upper arms, allowing the frame to support the upper arms without extending forward, and the upper arms are bent to resist external forces, while the lower arms are designed to absorb shocks effectively by being thicker and positioned to reduce the risk of collision with obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the drive shafts are arranged between the lower arms and upper arms for four-wheel drive power transmission, then the drive power can be conveyed to front wheels, but the shock absorbers cannot be connected to the lower arms without contacting the upper arms
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber is arranged in front of the upper arm, changing the spatial dimension of the shock absorber's position. This dimensional repositioning allows the shock absorber to avoid interfering with the drive shaft arrangement between the lower and upper arms, resolving the conflict between power transmission and suspension connection.
2Length of moving object
If the upper arms are positioned behind the shock absorbers, then the vehicle frame can support the upper arms without extending forward, but the upper ends of the shock absorbers may contact the upper arms when traveling
Solution Approach 1:
The upper arm is designed with an asymmetric bent shape rather than a straight configuration. This asymmetric geometry allows the upper arm to clear the shock absorber's path of motion, preventing contact during vehicle travel while maintaining a compact vehicle frame length.
3Ease of operation
If the lower ends of the shock absorbers are connected to the lower arms, then the center of gravity is lowered for comfortable ride, but the drive shafts obstruct the arrangement of the shock absorbers
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber is repositioned in front of the upper arm rather than between the lower and upper arms. This dimensional change in positioning allows the shock absorber to maintain its connection to the lower arm for ride comfort while avoiding interference with the drive shaft arrangement.
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 allows for a compact vehicle frame, effective shock absorption, and resistance to external forces, preventing the front lower portion from contacting the ground while maintaining a comfortable ride on uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
shock absorbers including lower ends connected to the lower arms and upper ends connected to the vehicle frame
Implementation Method 2
the upper arms are bent to resist external forces
Data Source
AI summary
An all terrain vehicle includes a vehicle frame having lower arms and upper arms for suspending front wheels, the upper arms positioned above the lower arms, drive shafts arranged between the lower arms and the upper arms for conveying drive power from a front wheel differential unit to the front wheels, and shock absorbers including lower ends connected to the lower arms and upper ends connected to the vehicle frame. The shock absorbers are arranged further to the front than the upper arms so as to shorten the front portion of the vehicle frame.