Operator Suspension with Adjustable Spring Pre-load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power equipment devices for outdoor maintenance, such as lawn maintenance vehicles, face challenges in providing an adjustable suspension system that can accommodate operators of varying size and mass, while also maintaining stability and preventing undesirable motion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an operator suspension system that includes a platform, a spring-damper assembly, and an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly features a lever with a fulcrum and adjustable locking features, allowing for the selection of different pre-loads on the spring-damper assembly, thereby adjusting the natural frequency of the suspension and accommodating various operator sizes and masses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed suspension system is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate operators of varying size and mass
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates an adjustable lever mechanism that allows the operator to dynamically change the spring pre-load setting based on their size and mass. The lever can be positioned at multiple discrete locations, each corresponding to a different pre-load configuration, transforming a static suspension system into a dynamic one that adapts to different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of spring pre-load to accommodate different operator characteristics. By adjusting the lever position, the pre-load on the spring-damper assembly is modified, which in turn adjusts the natural frequency of the suspension system to match different operator masses, improving comfort and stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spring pre-load is increased to reduce platform rotation, then operator comfort improves, but the system becomes less adaptable to different operator masses
Solution Approach 1:
The lever mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the spring pre-load, allowing the system to optimize platform stability for each specific operator. Rather than using a fixed high pre-load setting that would stabilize the platform but discomfort smaller operators, the system adapts the pre-load level to match the operator's mass, achieving both stability and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies the spring pre-load parameter based on operator characteristics. By providing multiple discrete pre-load settings through the lever adjustment mechanism, the system can reduce excessive platform rotation for heavier operators while maintaining appropriate suspension characteristics for lighter operators, thus achieving stability without sacrificing adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable suspension system is implemented, then adaptability to different operators is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment assembly is segmented into discrete, easily identifiable lever positions, each corresponding to a specific pre-load setting. This segmentation simplifies the adjustment process by providing clear, discrete options rather than requiring continuous adjustment or complex electronic controls, making the system adaptable while keeping the adjustment mechanism simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism is designed to be manually adjustable by the operator without requiring external assistance or complex procedures. The operator can independently adjust the suspension settings by moving the lever to the appropriate position, making the system self-serviceable and reducing the need for additional adjustment mechanisms or controls.
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 solution provides a customizable suspension system that enhances operator comfort and stability by adjusting to the operator's size and mass, while preventing undesirable shake or vibration, thus improving the overall performance of the power equipment device.
Implementation Method 1
spring-damper assembly
Implementation Method 2
spring-damper assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a vehicle comprising a frame and a suspension. The suspension has a platform, a spring assembly, and an adjustment. The platform has a front rotatably engaged to the frame and a rear. The spring assembly has a top engaged to the platform rear and a bottom engaged to the adjustment. The adjustment has a lever having a fulcrum, a lever output rotatably engaged to the spring assembly bottom, a lever input fixed in orientation with respect to the lever output, the lever input having a locking feature to hold the lever input fixed with respect to the fulcrum, and a platen, the platen defining a plurality of sites adapted to interface with the locking feature to lock the lever input with respect to the fulcrum; and wherein each site corresponds to a different pre-load on the spring assembly.