Flexible Link Stabilizer for Vehicle Payload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stabilizer assemblies for vehicles, such as tricycles, face limitations in payload capacity due to outward forces generated by strut dampers, which require substantial reinforcement, increasing the vehicle's mass and reducing comfort under load.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible link system between the arms of the stabilizer assembly, which balances tensile forces from a load-carrying device with a bracing system, preventing arm deflection and allowing increased payload without significant mass addition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If strut-mounted shock absorbers are used to connect arms to chassis, then damping and comfort are improved, but outward forces push arms apart requiring substantial reinforcement that increases vehicle weight
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible link is introduced as an intermediary element between the two arms. This flexible link carries a load-bearing device that extends into the inter-space between the arms, transferring loads and generating tensile forces that balance the outward forces from the shock absorbers, eliminating the need for substantial arm reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing device is extracted from the traditional arm structure and placed on a separate flexible link that spans the inter-space between arms. This separates the load-carrying function from the stabilizing arm structure, allowing arms to be lighter while still supporting payloads.
2Strength
If arms are substantially reinforced to withstand outward forces from shock absorbers, then arm strength and stability are improved, but vehicle mass increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible link with load-bearing device acts as a mediator that provides the necessary structural support for carrying loads. This allows the arms themselves to remain lighter since they no longer need to independently withstand all outward forces from the shock absorbers - the flexible link system shares this load-carrying responsibility.
3Quantity of substance
If payload capacity is increased beyond 100 kg, then cargo transport capability is improved, but excessive external forces are generated on arms requiring reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible link system with load-bearing device extending into the inter-space between arms serves as a mediator that directly supports increased payloads. As payload capacity exceeds 100 kg, the flexible link generates proportionally larger tensile forces that balance the increased outward forces from shock absorbers, allowing high payload capacity without requiring substantially reinforced arms.
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
Enhances payload capacity without increasing the vehicle's mass, maintaining comfort and stability by balancing forces internally within the stabilizer assembly.
Implementation Method 1
at least one flexible link connecting the first arm to the second arm, configured to work in tension, by tightening the two arms towards each other
Implementation Method 2
a bracing system opposing the approach of the two arms
Implementation Method 3
The two strut-mounted shock absorbers are articulated at their lower ends to the two pivoting arms, while their upper ends are fixed to a single cam-like support
Implementation Method 4
The two arms form a pendulum stabilizer system, allowing the cycle to be tilted along the roll axis
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Stabilizing assembly (1) for a vehicle comprising: - a chassis (2) forming a suspended part of the vehicle, - a stabilizing system comprising two arms consisting of a first arm and a second arm (4). Said stabilizing system further comprises: - at least one flexible link (7) connecting the first arm to the second arm (4), configured to work in tension, tending towards the approach of the two arms (3,4), - a load-carrying device (8), articulated to said chassis, extending in the space between the two planes supported by at least one flexible link (7), - a bracing system opposing the approach of the two arms.