ATV Rear Swing Arm Suspension Load Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rear suspension systems for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) collapse when a load is attached, leading to an uncomfortable riding position and a rough ride due to the transfer of load through the frame and suspension, causing suspension collapse and reduced shock absorption.
Innovation Solution
A rear suspension system featuring a swing arm with a longer moment arm and increased surface area, where the swing arm's mounting point is extended near the front suspension, minimizing load transfer to the chassis and reducing the 'see-saw' effect, while distributing the load more effectively across the axle and suspension components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a load is attached to the rear of the ATV through the frame and suspension, then the load can be supported, but the suspension collapses causing uncomfortable riding position and rough ride
Solution Approach 1:
The load support function is segmented from the suspension system. The swing arm creates a separate load path through the axle and swing arm mounting points, isolating the suspension from direct load transfer. This allows the suspension to handle terrain shocks while the swing arm handles implement loads independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm acts as an intermediary component between the axle and the chassis mounting points. It transfers loads from the rear axle to forward mounting points on the chassis, preventing direct load transfer through the suspension system and maintaining suspension stability under load.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the suspension is locked up to compensate for suspension collapse, then the riding position is improved, but the suspension is unable to absorb shock force creating a rough riding environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the functions of position stability and shock absorption into separate components. The swing arm provides positional stability by preventing suspension collapse under load, while the suspension remains free to absorb terrain shocks, eliminating the need to lock the suspension.
3Area of stationary object
If the swing arm mounting point is extended near the front suspension, then the load distribution area is increased, but the angle of travel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the geometric parameters of the swing arm configuration. By extending the mounting point forward, the moment arm is lengthened to increase load distribution area. The reduced travel angle is an acceptable parameter change that still provides sufficient suspension movement for terrain absorption while improving load distribution.
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 solution provides a comfortable ride and improved stability by reducing the angle of travel and increasing the load distribution area, thereby stabilizing the vehicle and enhancing the durability of the axle, swing-arm, and suspension components when carrying heavy implements.
Implementation Method 1
A rear suspension system featuring a swing arm with a longer moment arm and increased surface area, where the swing arm's mounting point is extended near the front suspension, minimizing load transfer to the chassis and reducing the 'see-saw' effect
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having a rear suspension according to the present teachings may include one or more of the following features: (a) a chassis carrying a seat, (b) at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel coupled to the chassis, (c) a steering member for steering the at least one front wheel, (d) an engine carried by the chassis for powering the vehicle, (e) a swing arm having a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to a rear axle coupled to the rear wheel, (f) the second swing arm end coupled to the chassis at a point forward of a vertical centerline bisecting the vehicle, and (g) a suspension system operably coupled to the axle and the chassis.