Four-Bar Front Suspension Geometry for Pro-Dive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oscillating arm front suspensions for saddle riding vehicles fail to optimally react to loads, exhibiting significant pro-dive or anti-dive effects and subjecting the shock absorber assembly to bending stress due to braking torque, which can damage the damper and compromise the seal.
Innovation Solution
An oscillating arm front suspension design featuring a four-bar linkage system with adjustable oscillating arms and a support element that aligns the instantaneous rotation center of the front wheel, allowing for optimal load reaction and reduced bending stress through adjustable lengths and articulation points, thereby minimizing pro-dive and anti-dive effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the body of the shock absorber is integral with the support of the brake caliper, then the structure is simplified, but the braking torque subjects the stem to bending stress which damages the damper and compromises the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is divided into two separate components: a support element for the shock absorber and a brake caliper support. This segmentation allows the shock absorber stem to be supported independently without bearing bending stresses from brake torque, while maintaining structural simplicity through the integrated design of these two elements within the same bracket assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If the oscillating arm suspension uses a fixed geometry design, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the suspension cannot optimally react to varying loads and exhibits marked pro-dive or anti-dive effects
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillating arm suspension incorporates adjustable geometry through movable articulation points on the steering bar and adjustable length of the oscillating arm. This allows the suspension characteristics to be dynamically adjusted to optimize load reaction and control pro-dive/anti-dive effects under varying operating conditions, while the base structure remains manufacturable with standard components.
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 design enhances the suspension's ability to react to loads, reduces bending stress on the shock absorber, and improves the smoothness of the suspension by adjusting the pro-dive and anti-dive behavior, ensuring optimal load distribution and minimizing damage to the shock absorber assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The shock absorber assembly (30) comprises a spring (33) and a damper (34, 35)
Implementation Method 2
a damper (34, 35), e.g. a hydraulic or pneumatic damper
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillating arm front suspension for a saddle riding vehicle including: a steering bar mechanically connected, or adapted to be connected, to a steering handlebar of the saddle riding vehicle; a first oscillating arm having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, where the first end portion of the first oscillating arm is rotatably joined to the steering bar and where the first oscillating arm directly carries a rotation pin of an associable front wheel of the saddle riding vehicle; a shock absorber assembly which extends between a attachment head and a attachment foot; a support element adapted and configured to support the shock absorber assembly and a braking member, the attachment foot being rotatably joined to the support element; a second oscillating arm operatively interposed between the steering bar and the support element, where the second oscillating arm is rotatably joined to the steering bar and to the support element.