Motorcycle Suspension Pre-Load Adjustment via Load Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motorcycle suspension systems lack automatic regulation of pre-loading and damping, requiring manual adjustment and not adapting to varying load conditions, leading to suboptimal performance and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A motorcycle suspension system with a load sensor and control unit that automatically adjusts pre-loading and damping based on load conditions, using a motor-actuated pressurized fluid system and electro-actuated piston to modify spring compression and damper oscillation capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment mechanisms (knobs, ring-nuts) are used for pre-loading regulation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must manually adjust settings for varying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated electromechanical system. A motor (24) drives a screw (26) that actuates a compression device (72) to adjust the spring pre-loading automatically based on load sensor input, eliminating the need for manual knob or ring-nut adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system performs self-adjustment through automated detection and regulation. The load sensor (36) continuously monitors the load on the motorcycle, and the control system automatically activates the motor to adjust the spring pre-loading and damper settings without requiring user intervention.
2Ease of operation
If electric actuators are used for automatic pre-loading regulation, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-driven screw mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts both the spring pre-loading and the damper settings. The same actuation system (motor 24, screw 26) controls both the compression device for the spring and the damper regulation, reducing overall system complexity despite automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pre-loading adjustment mechanism and the damper regulation mechanism into a single integrated system. Both functions are controlled by the same motor-driven screw actuation system, merging what could have been separate complex systems into one unified automated mechanism.
3Device complexity
If predefined adjustment levels are provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as settings cannot be continuously optimized for varying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static predefined adjustment levels to dynamic continuous regulation. The load sensor continuously monitors varying loads, and the motor continuously adjusts the spring pre-loading and damper settings in real-time, enabling the suspension to adapt dynamically to changing conditions rather than being limited to fixed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the load sensor (36) continuously provides information about the actual load on the motorcycle to the control system. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the spring pre-loading and damper settings to optimize suspension performance for the current load condition.
4Adaptability or versatility
If continuous automatic regulation is implemented, then the adaptability improves for varying load conditions, but the use of energy increases due to continuous motor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sensing and conditional actuation rather than continuous motor operation. The load sensor continuously monitors load conditions, but the motor only operates when adjustment is needed based on the sensed load changes, reducing energy consumption while maintaining continuous adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs adjustments in advance or in response to detected load changes rather than continuous operation. When the load sensor detects a change in loading conditions, the control system activates the motor to adjust the suspension parameters proactively, maintaining optimal settings without requiring constant motor running.
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
Enables continuous and automatic regulation of suspension parameters, ensuring optimal performance and comfort across varying loads without user intervention, adapting to both static and dynamic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (64) comprising a motor which compresses a pressurised fluid, a connection tube (68) for delivery of said pressurised fluid and a compression device (72) of the spring (28) of the damper unit (24), fluidically connected to the connection tube (68) so as to be actuated by said pressurised fluid
Implementation Method 2
regulation means of the damping (60) of the damper unit (32), wherein the damper unit (32) comprises an electro-actuated piston (80) able to increase or reduce the through passages of the liquid in a continuous and dynamic manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A motorcycle suspension that includes a fork hinged to a portion of a frame of a motorcycle, a damper unit positioned between the frame and the fork, that damper unit having at least one spring and at least one damper so as to permit a relative rotation of the fork in relation to the frame around at least one hinge pin. The suspension including a load sensor to measure the load weighing on the damper unit, and a control unit operatively connected to the load sensor. The control unit is operatively connected to a regulation means of the damper unit so as to vary the setting of the regulation means depending on the load signal received from the load sensor, so as to adapt a pre-loading of the spring and the damping of the damper to the load effectively weighing on the damper unit.