Linkage Guard Shielding Rear Shock Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Off-road motorcycles with exposed rear shock lower linkages are prone to damage from environmental elements, leading to operational issues or the need for repairs during extreme riding conditions.

Innovation Solution

A linkage protector system comprising a linkage arm and a shield element mounted to the motorcycle frame, providing a deflection surface to protect the exposed rear shock linkage from impacts and environmental elements, with adjustable features for customizable height and steering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the rear shock lower linkage is exposed to provide suspension functionality, then the motorcycle can operate on off-road terrain, but the linkage becomes vulnerable to damage from environmental elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoff-road terrain capabilityVSAvoidlinkage durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A shield element is introduced as an intermediary component between the environmental elements (rocks, logs, debris) and the rear shock lower linkage. The shield element deflects these harmful objects away from the linkage, protecting it from damage while allowing the linkage to remain exposed and functional for suspension operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection system is segmented into separate components: the existing linkage arm and an additional shield element. This allows the linkage to maintain its suspension function while the shield provides dedicated protection, resolving the contradiction between exposure for functionality and protection for durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a shield element is added to protect the linkage, then the linkage is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelinkage protectionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shield element is designed to integrate with the existing linkage arm structure. The shield is positioned to work in conjunction with the linkage arm's existing mounting portions and fasteners, merging the protection function with the existing suspension components rather than adding completely separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the shield element is positioned close to the linkage for maximum protection, then the linkage is better protected, but the shield may interfere with suspension movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidsuspension movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shield element provides protection at specific critical locations on the linkage where damage is most likely to occur, rather than creating a complete enclosure. This localized protection approach shields the vulnerability points while leaving sufficient clearance for the suspension to move through its full range of motion without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9376161B2System and apparatus for a linkage guard

Publication Date: 2016.06.28 STILLWELL ALAN

AI summary

System and apparatus for a linkage protector comprising a linkage arm and a shield element. The linkage arm comprises a front mounting portion rotatably coupled to the frame mount and a pair of arms depending from opposite ends of the front mounting portion. Each arm comprises a rear mounting portion coupled to a linkage mount at an end opposite the front mounting portion. The shield element depends from a lower portion of the front mounting portion at a distance from the arm and is configured to protect a lower rear suspension linkage.