Hydraulic Snowmobile Suspension Preload Adjuster
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowmobile rear suspension systems require cumbersome manual adjustments of torsion spring preload, which can be difficult to access and may result in user discomfort and contamination with snow and components.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic torsion spring adjuster mechanism is located outside the tunnel of the snowmobile, allowing for easy access and adjustment of torsion spring preload using a hand-actuable knob connected to a piston and hydraulic fluid system, enabling increased or decreased load on the torsion springs without the need for manual torque application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of torsion spring preload is performed by accessing the block inside the tunnel, then the suspension characteristics can be adjusted, but the user experiences discomfort and difficulty in applying sufficient force
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic fluid system acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the torsion spring adjustment mechanism. The user operates a pump handle externally, which transfers force through hydraulic fluid to a piston that adjusts the torsion spring preload, eliminating the need for the user to directly access and manually torque the block inside the tunnel
Solution Approach 2:
The direct mechanical connection between the user's hand and the torsion spring adjustment block is replaced with a hydraulic system. Instead of directly applying torque to the block, the user operates a hydraulic pump that uses fluid pressure to move a piston, which then adjusts the torsion spring preload through a connecting rod mechanism
2Ease of operation
If the block is positioned inside the tunnel for adjustment, then the torsion spring preload can be modified, but the user may dirty his clothing with snow and components
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment operation is extracted from the contaminated environment inside the tunnel. The hydraulic pump handle and control mechanism are positioned outside the tunnel where the user can operate them without contact with snow and suspension components, while the hydraulic system transmits the adjustment force to the torsion spring mechanism inside the tunnel
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic fluid system serves as a mediator that separates the user from the contaminated environment. The user interacts with clean external controls (pump handle), and the hydraulic fluid transmits the force through sealed connections to the adjustment mechanism inside the tunnel, preventing direct contact between the user and snow/components
3Force
If manual torque is applied to rotate the block, then the torsion spring preload can be changed, but sufficient force application becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic system is used to amplify and transmit force from the user's manual pump operation to the torsion spring adjustment mechanism. The hydraulic fluid under pressure moves a piston that connects to the torsion spring adjuster, providing controlled force application without requiring the user to directly apply large torques to a confined block
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of force transmission by converting the user's manual pumping motion into hydraulic pressure, which then translates into controlled linear motion of the piston. This transforms the force application from direct mechanical torque on a small block to a more manageable hydraulic pressure system with mechanical advantage
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 hydraulic torsion spring adjuster mechanism simplifies the process of adjusting torsion spring preload, providing easier access and reducing user discomfort, while maintaining effective control over suspension characteristics for individual rider preferences.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator includes a first volume of hydraulic fluid. The torsion spring adjuster includes a second volume of the hydraulic fluid. The first volume is in fluid communication with the second volume.
Implementation Method 2
the actuator includes a piston, and the controller is operatively connected to the piston for transferring at least the portion of the first volume of hydraulic fluid to and from the second volume of hydraulic fluid.
Data Source
AI summary
A snowmobile has a tunnel and a rear suspension assembly. The rear suspension assembly includes at least one rail for engagement with the endless drive track and at least one suspension arm. At least one torsion spring is coupled to the at least second suspension arm. The at least one torsion spring has a first end contacting the rail and a second end. A torsion spring adjuster is fixedly connected to the at least one suspension arm. The torsion spring adjuster receives the second end of the at least one torsion spring. An actuator is operatively connected to the torsion spring adjuster. The actuator is located at least partially outside the tunnel. The actuator operates the torsion spring adjuster to move the second end of the at least one torsion spring relative to the first end of the at least one torsion spring.