Kart Lateral Bumper Pivot Mounting for Transverse Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing kart designs face challenges in providing effective side impact protection that can absorb both normal and transverse forces while securely attaching to the frame, as current solutions like shock-absorbing rubber-elastic dampers are expensive and prone to aging, and longitudinal-only shock absorbers are inadequate for transverse impacts.
Innovation Solution
The kart incorporates pivotally adjustable lateral protective elements mounted on bearings closer to the rear axle, with rubber-elastic buffers and bearings that transmit forces effectively, ensuring secure attachment and defined guidance, and includes connecting elements for comprehensive impact protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shock-absorbing rubber-elastic dampers are used between the protective element and the frame, then the damping effect is achieved, but the cost increases and the dampers must be replaced regularly due to aging
Solution Approach 1:
The protective element is divided into a stationary part attached to the frame and a movable part that can pivot independently. This segmentation allows the movable part to absorb impacts through pivoting motion while the stationary part remains securely attached, eliminating the need for expensive rubber-elastic dampers that require regular replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the movable part can pivot about a vertical axis. This dynamic capability allows the protective element to absorb both normal and transverse impact forces through controlled motion, providing continuous damping without the degradation issues of rubber materials
2Device complexity
If shock absorbers are used that only transmit forces in the longitudinal axis direction, then the structure is simplified, but transverse impact forces cannot be absorbed and may damage the shock absorbers
Solution Approach 1:
The movable protective part is configured to pivot about a vertical axis, enabling it to dynamically respond to both longitudinal and transverse impact forces. This pivoting motion allows the structure to absorb transverse forces that would otherwise damage fixed shock absorbers, while maintaining relatively simple construction
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot bearing mechanism serves multiple functions: it allows pivoting motion for impact absorption, provides rotational freedom for transverse force accommodation, and maintains secure attachment to the frame. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate shock absorbers for different impact directions
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
This design effectively absorbs and dissipates both normal and transverse impact forces, maintaining secure attachment to the frame and reducing maintenance costs by using replaceable buffers, while protecting critical components like wheels and the engine.
Implementation Method 1
bumpers and/or shock-absorbing rubber-elastic dampers are deformed elastically or plastically, whereby the kinetic energy of the impact is at least partially absorbed
Implementation Method 2
the kinetic energy of the impact is at least partially absorbed
Implementation Method 3
each of the at least one lateral protective element is mounted to a pivot bearing fixed to the frame so as to be pivotally adjustable about a frame vertical axis
Implementation Method 4
the protective element is displaced around the pivot bearing axis, a frame vertical axis, against the spring force of rubber-elastic dampers against the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A kart includes a frame, front and rear wheels rotatable about front and rear axle axes, and an impact protection structure surrounding the frame. The impact protection structure includes: at least one front protective element, at least one rear protective element, and at least one lateral protective element on each lateral side of the kart. Each of the at least one lateral protective element is mounted to a pivot bearing fixed to the frame so as to be pivotally adjustable about a frame vertical axis, and is disposed closer to the rear axle axis than to the front axle axis. Each of the pivot bearings includes a bearing block and a bearing pedestal pivotable relative to the bearing block. Each of the at least one lateral protective element engages the bearing pedestal of a corresponding pivot bearing. Shock-absorbing dampers are disposed between the frame and the protective elements.