Body Spring Pre-Load Control for Snow Vehicle Slope Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inexperienced riders of snow vehicles experience discomfort on steep gradients due to the inability to adjust the range of inclines during motion, affecting their riding comfort.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts the pre-load compression of a body spring based on a pre-load indicator and slope signals from an accelerometer, combining these inputs to apply a resultant load that compensates for terrain gradients, enhancing rider comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the snow vehicle operates on steep gradients, then the vehicle can traverse varied terrain, but the rider experiences discomfort due to excessive incline
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pre-load compression parameter of the body spring dynamically based on detected slope conditions. When a steep gradient is detected via the accelerometer, the control circuit adjusts the pre-load compression value to modify the spring's stiffness, thereby maintaining rider comfort while traversing varied terrain
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the accelerometer to continuously monitor the vehicle's orientation and slope. This feedback loop enables the control circuit to detect gradient changes and automatically adjust the body spring pre-load compression, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains comfort on varying terrain
2Stability of the object's composition
If the body spring pre-load is increased to stabilize the vehicle on steep slopes, then vehicle stability improves, but the system complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a self-regulating mechanism where the control circuit automatically adjusts the body spring pre-load based on accelerometer feedback without requiring manual intervention. The load adjuster mechanism self-adjusts the compression force based on pre-determined thresholds, reducing the need for complex external control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical suspension adjustment mechanisms with an electronically controlled load adjuster. The control circuit uses electronic signals to actuate the load adjuster, which mechanically applies the appropriate pre-load compression to the body spring, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining stability
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 dynamically adjusts the body spring's pre-load to maintain a neutral riding position, providing enhanced comfort and stability across varying terrain, allowing riders to adjust settings in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
generating a slope signal in response to the output of an accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
applying a resultant load to the body spring, the resultant load equaling the combination of the pre-load compression value and the slope offset value
Data Source
AI summary
A snow vehicle having a body spring subject to a load compression dictated by a control circuit. The control circuit generates a resultant load compression value by combining a pre-load compression value and a slope offset value. The pre-load compression value may be controlled by a pre-load control mechanism accessible to a user. The slope offset value may be controlled by an inertial management unit responding to data generated by a sensor array. The sensor array may comprise an accelerometer and generate 6-dimensional accelerometer data.