PWI Suspension Geometry Absorbing Wave Impacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current personal watercraft designs transfer wave impacts to drivers and passengers, causing discomfort, as existing suspension systems either fail to adequately absorb these forces or solicit the legs and arms of the rider due to relative movement between the seat and footrests.
Innovation Solution
A personal watercraft with a hull and sub-deck assembly that moves upwardly and rearwardly relative to the deck, featuring a suspension system comprising a rear and front suspension member with fixed lengths, and a suspension element connected between the deck, hull, and sub-deck assembly, allowing the HSD assembly to move between positions to absorb wave impacts, thereby reducing strain on the rider.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a suspension element is disposed between the seat and the deck, then the transfer of wave impact forces to the driver and passengers is reduced, but the seat moves relative to the footrests and helm assembly, soliciting the legs and arms of the rider
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sub-deck assembly as an intermediary structure between the hull and the deck. The sub-deck assembly moves relative to the deck through suspension members, absorbing wave impacts before they reach the rider. This mediator structure prevents direct force transfer while maintaining stable footrest and helm positions relative to the rider, thus solving both the force reduction and rider comfort requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the deck structure into two separate assemblies: the deck itself and the sub-deck assembly. The sub-deck assembly is further segmented from the hull by suspension members. This segmentation allows the sub-deck to move independently to absorb impacts while keeping the main deck stable, resolving the contradiction between force absorption and rider stability
2Device complexity
If no suspension system is used, then the structure is simpler, but wave impact forces are directly transferred to the driver and passengers causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic suspension members with fixed lengths that allow controlled movement between the sub-deck assembly and the deck. These members enable the system to adapt dynamically to wave conditions, providing cushioning when needed while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic approach achieves effective force absorption without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms
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
The described suspension system effectively reduces the transfer of wave impacts to the rider, providing a more comfortable ride by allowing the hull and sub-deck assembly to move in a way that absorbs and dampens the forces, maintaining deck stability and minimizing leg and arm solicitation.
Implementation Method 1
A first suspension member has a first end pivotally connected to the deck and a second end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly
Implementation Method 2
A suspension element is connected between any two of: the deck, the HSD assembly, and one of the first and second suspension members
Data Source
AI summary
A personal watercraft has a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly. A deck is disposed above the sub-deck. A first suspension member has a first end pivotally connected to the deck and a second end disposed rearwardly and downwardly of the first end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. A second suspension member, disposed rearwardly of the first suspension member, has a first end pivotally connected to the deck and a second end disposed rearwardly and downwardly of the first end pivotally connected to the HSD assembly. The first and second suspension members each have a fixed length. A suspension element is connected between any two of: the deck, the HSD assembly, and one of the suspension members. The HSD assembly is moveable relative to the deck between a first position and a second position that is upward and rearward of the first position. A watercraft suspension geometry is also disclosed.