Dive-Resistant Snow Machine Suspension Using Swing Arm Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snow machines with traditional suspensions experience compression due to friction from the ground surface, leading to reduced operator control and potential accidents, as the ski assembly dives forward.
Innovation Solution
A dive-resistant suspension system featuring a swing arm with pivot points connected between the ski assembly and the body, utilizing a resilient member like a spring or pneumatic cylinder to bias the swing arm downward, defining a travel path that resists compression by maintaining the ski assembly's trail and applying upward forces to counteract friction-induced diving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional suspension is used in snow machines, then the suspension can absorb shocks and provide comfort, but the friction from the ground surface causes the suspension to compress and the snow machine to dive forward, reducing operator control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimension of the ski assembly's movement path by defining a travel path that lies within a plane perpendicular to the ground surface and parallel to the forward direction of travel. This dimensional constraint prevents the ski assembly from moving backward during suspension compression, thereby eliminating the diving effect while maintaining shock absorption capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a swing arm mechanism with rigid linkages and pivot points that dynamically adjusts the ski assembly's position. The swing arm allows the ski to move vertically for shock absorption while the constrained travel path prevents rearward movement, creating a dynamic system that simultaneously provides comfort and maintains operator control
2Strength
If the suspension allows the ski assembly to move freely between operative and retracted positions, then the suspension can absorb impacts effectively, but the ski assembly moves backward toward the rear end of the body during compression, causing diving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent constrains the ski assembly's movement to a specific dimensional path - a travel path within a plane perpendicular to the ground surface. This dimensional constraint allows vertical movement for impact absorption while preventing the backward component that causes diving
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is segmented into distinct functional components: the swing arm for movement, rigid linkages for structural support, pivot points for rotation, and a resilient member for shock absorption. Each segment performs its specific function while contributing to the overall dive-resistant performance
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 suspension effectively resists compression due to friction, maintaining operator control and reducing the risk of accidents by defining a specific travel path that minimizes rearward movement of the ski assembly, thereby enhancing stability and safety during operation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member that biases the swing arm downward relative to the body, wherein the swing arm defines a travel path of the ski assembly as the swing arm moves between an operative position and a retracted position
Implementation Method 2
dive-resistant suspension for a snow machine that resists compression due to friction experienced by the ski
Data Source
AI summary
A dive-resistant suspension for a snow machine having a ski assembly and a body has a swing arm and a resilient member that biases the swing arm downward relative to the body. The swing arm has a first rigid linkage and a second rigid linkage. The first rigid linkage has a first pivot point connected to the body of the snow machine and a second pivot point connected to the ski column. The second rigid linkage has a first pivot point connected to the body of the snow machine and a second pivot point connected to the ski column. The swing arm defines a travel path of the ski assembly as the swing arm moves between an operative position and a retracted position. In a first portion of the travel path, the ski assembly moves from the operative position forward and up relative to the body of the snow machine.