Multi-member Suspension Arm Linkage for Stroke Ratio

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle suspension systems for small vehicles face challenges in enhancing layout flexibility and stroke ratio adjustment while minimizing component count and weight, particularly due to the separate linkage mechanism and single-member suspension arm design.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle suspension system incorporating a suspension arm formed from multiple pivotally connected arm members, including a first, second, and third arm member, which allows for a V-shape configuration, eliminating the need for a separate linkage mechanism and enabling the shock absorber to be positioned lower for increased stroke and center of gravity, thereby minimizing parts and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate linkage mechanism is used to vary stroke ratio, then suspension performance is improved, but the number of component parts and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension performanceVSAvoidnumber of component parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the linkage mechanism and suspension arm into a single integrated suspension arm structure. The suspension arm includes a first arm member, second arm member, and third arm member that are pivotally connected to form the linkage mechanism, eliminating the need for separate linkage components while maintaining stroke ratio variation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension arm performs multiple functions: it supports the wheel, provides linkage mechanism functionality for stroke ratio variation, and enables shock absorber mounting. The integrated structure serves both as a structural support element and as a kinematic linkage mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate linkage mechanism is used to vary stroke ratio, then suspension performance is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension performanceVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If the suspension arm is formed from a single member, then manufacturing is simplified, but stroke ratio adjustment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstroke ratio adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension arm is segmented into multiple arm members (first arm member, second arm member, third arm member) that are pivotally connected. This segmentation allows independent design and optimization of each member's geometry to achieve desired stroke ratio characteristics while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension arm uses pivotal connections between arm members that allow dynamic adjustment of the linkage geometry during operation. This dynamic configuration enables stroke ratio variation as the wheel moves vertically, adapting the suspension characteristics to different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If the shock absorber is positioned higher, then layout is simpler, but stroke amount is reduced and center of gravity rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout simplicityVSAvoidstroke amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension created by the multi-member linkage structure to position the shock absorber lower on the vehicle. The pivotal connections between arm members create vertical space that allows the shock absorber to be mounted at a lower position, increasing stroke amount and lowering center of gravity without significantly complicating the layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration enhances layout freedom and stroke ratio adjustment, increases the shock absorber's stroke amount, and achieves a lower center of gravity, particularly beneficial for all-terrain vehicles by integrating the suspension arm members to form a linkage mechanism without additional components.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the first, second, and third arm members is pivotally connected to each other via a joint (for example, each of joints 68, 70 according to the embodiment of the present invention)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivotal connection: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS8382130B2Vehicular suspension system and vehicle incorporating same

Publication Date: 2013.02.26 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A vehicle suspension system includes a vertically reciprocally movable suspension arm assembly having a minimal number of component parts and configured to be light in weight. The suspension arm assembly includes a lower arm portion including a plurality of arm members which are operatively connected together via a plurality of hinge joints. The arm members are operatively associated with each other in a manner so as to permit vertical reciprocating movement of a wheel, and are interconnected in a manner so as to permit a shock absorber to make a stroke motion, where one end of the shock absorber is attached to a portion of a vehicle body, and another end of the shock absorber is attached to one of the arm members.