Dual Trailing Link Rear Suspension for Long Swingarm and Low Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle suspension systems face limitations in swing arm length due to spatial constraints and induce aerodynamic drag, leading to compromised ride comfort and increased drag coefficients.
Innovation Solution
A rear wheel suspension system with dual trailing links that maximizes effective swingarm length while fitting within an aerodynamic enclosure, utilizing a compact design with optimized pivot points and reduced protrusion to minimize drag and enhance vertical shock absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a long swingarm is used to reduce wheel impulse transfer to the vehicle body, then ride comfort is improved, but the suspension system cannot fit within the aerodynamic enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The swingarm is divided into two separate trailing links that connect to the vehicle body at different locations. This segmentation allows the suspension to achieve the functional equivalent of a long swingarm for impulse reduction while fitting within the compact enclosure space.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual trailing link configuration changes the geometric arrangement from a single linear swingarm to a two-dimensional linkage system. This dimensional change enables the instantaneous center to be positioned optimally for ride comfort while maintaining compact overall dimensions that fit within the aerodynamic enclosure.
2Volume of moving object
If a short swingarm is used to fit within the aerodynamic enclosure, then the suspension fits the space constraints, but wheel impulse is directly transmitted to the vehicle body causing passenger discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the swingarm into dual trailing links, the system achieves the functional benefits of a long swingarm (reduced impulse transmission) while maintaining the physical compactness needed to fit within the aerodynamic enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual trailing link mechanism acts as an intermediary between the wheel and vehicle body, providing a geometric transformation that reduces the direct transmission of wheel impulses to the vehicle body while maintaining compact dimensions.
3Device complexity
If conventional swingarm configuration is used, then the suspension structure is simple, but aerodynamic drag increases due to protrusion from the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The dual trailing link suspension system is nested within the aerodynamic enclosure, with the linkage components arranged to fit inside the enclosed space. This nesting eliminates protrusion and reduces aerodynamic drag while maintaining the necessary suspension functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual trailing link, rear wheel suspension system useful for an aerodynamic enclosure is described. The trailing links may have proximal ends coupled to a rear subframe and distal ends coupled to a bracket with a knuckle for coupling to a wheel. The distal ends may have a larger distance between them than the proximal ends, allowing for an improved instantaneous center, which may be useful for determining lift/squat characteristics. The distal ends may be disposed in line with the wheel axis of rotation, thereby providing the largest possible effective swingarm length, for a predetermined chassis-wheel distance, which provides a smoother, more comfortable riding experience. The suspension system may advantageously fit at least partially within an aerodynamic enclosure, thereby reducing the drag contribution when the vehicle moves through a flow field. The present invention therefore maximizes swing arm length via a virtual pivot point, while minimizing both space and drag.