Double-Acting Gas Suspension for Motorcycle Ride Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional motorcycle suspension systems, particularly for street bikes, face limitations in controlling ride height and ride characteristics, as they become firmer with increased air pressure in air-ride systems, and lack flexibility in adjusting suspension settings for optimal handling and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A double-acting air cylinder system is positioned between the motorcycle's wheels and main frame, utilizing compressed gas to control suspension characteristics, with features like push buttons for pressure adjustment, check valves for ambient air integration, and a biasing regulator for proportional counterforce, allowing for customizable ride height and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If air pressure is increased in air-ride suspension systems, then ride height control is improved, but ride characteristics become inherently firmer and less adjustable
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent air chambers (first chamber and second chamber) that can be controlled separately. Each chamber can be independently adjusted to provide different ride characteristics, allowing the system to maintain ride height control while offering versatile adjustability through separate pressure control of each chamber.
2Strength
If traditional spring and damper units are used, then suspension support is provided, but ride height and ride characteristics cannot be easily adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical springs and dampers with pneumatic air chambers that can be easily adjusted by controlling air pressure. This allows the suspension to maintain strong support capabilities while enabling easy adjustment of ride height and characteristics through pneumatic pressure control, eliminating the need to physically change mechanical components.
3Device complexity
If single-acting air cylinders are used, then simplified structure is achieved, but control during compression and rebound is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses double-acting air cylinders that can actively control air pressure in both compression and rebound chambers during both compression and rebound phases. This dynamic bidirectional control allows the suspension to adapt to different driving conditions and provide optimized performance throughout the entire suspension cycle, overcoming the limitations of single-acting cylinders.
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 provides improved ride control and adjustability, maintaining tire contact with the road for better handling and braking, while allowing riders to customize the ride firmness and height, enhancing overall motorcycle performance.
Implementation Method 1
two or more double-acting cylinders are axially aligned and provide two or more chambers having compressed gas for controlling the suspension characteristics
Implementation Method 2
a biasing regulator for proportional counterforce, allowing for customizable ride height and quality
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for use with a motorcycle includes a single body having two double-acting pneumatic cylinders in axial alignment therein. The suspension system may be sold in a kit, and may be retrofitted on an existing OEM motorcycle front wheel fork.