Electric Snowmobile Front Suspension Layout for Stable Ski Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowmobile designs, particularly those with internal combustion engines, face challenges in optimizing shock absorber placement and geometry due to space constraints, leading to suboptimal shock absorbance and structural endurance, especially when transitioning to electric power sources.
Innovation Solution
A redesigned front suspension structure for electric snowmobiles featuring parallel upper and lower suspension A-arms with rear connection points optimized for the electric snowmobile's frame, allowing for longer shock absorbers and improved shock absorbance, along with an encapsulating body to protect internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional internal combustion engine snowmobile designs are used, then long traveling range is achieved, but fuel consumption increases and safety issues emerge in wilderness areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal combustion engine with an electric motor system. The electric snowmobile uses an electric motor mounted on the frame to drive the snowmobile, eliminating the need for fuel tanks and exhaust systems. This substitution reduces fuel consumption to zero while improving safety by removing flammable fuel storage in wilderness areas.
2Volume of stationary object
If shock absorbers are placed in traditional locations in internal combustion engine snowmobiles, then space constraints are managed, but shock absorbance and structural endurance become suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the shock absorbers from traditional horizontal placements to vertical orientations extending downward from the frame. This dimensional change allows the shock absorbers to achieve greater compression distances and improved shock absorbance without compromising the compact space utilization of the electric snowmobile frame.
3Volume of stationary object
If electric motors are integrated into the frame, then space efficiency improves, but heat management becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat sink as an intermediary component between the electric motor and the surrounding environment. The heat sink absorbs excess heat generated by the electric motor during operation and dissipates it through its extended surface area, enabling effective thermal management while maintaining the compact integration of the motor within the frame.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to front shock absorbers (4) and related support (i.e. suspension) structures within the frame (9) of an electric snowmobile (1). The structure comprises upper (5) and lower (6) suspension A-arms and a spindle (7) for both skis. A rear connection point (13) for the lower suspension A-arm (6) is placed more to the rear within the frame (9). Also the length of the front shock absorbers (4) is designed to be larger. This design is possible because of more space available in the electrically driven solution. The caster (β) and camber (α) angles may be kept as constant during any compression magnitude of the front shock absorbers (4).