Rear Shock Absorber Layout for Rough-Terrain Straddle Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Straddle vehicles traveling on rough terrain face challenges with shock absorbers, as the height of the upper mounting portion can be insufficient to effectively absorb strong forces and prevent contact with obstacles, leading to inadequate shock absorption and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a shock absorber with an upper mounting portion connected to a drive source, such as an electric motor, positioned above the engine, and a lower mounting portion connected to a swing arm, allowing for a sufficient height difference and increased length to absorb strong shocks while avoiding ground obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the shock absorber is made longer to absorb strong shocks on rough terrain, then the shock absorption capability is improved, but the risk of contacting ground obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the upper mounting portion of the shock absorber from a conventional position to the drive source (engine or motor) which is positioned higher in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows the shock absorber to achieve greater length for improved shock absorption while the upper mounting point's elevated position prevents the lower portion from contacting ground obstacles.
2Length of moving object
If the upper mounting portion height is increased to accommodate a longer shock absorber, then the shock absorption capability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the drive source (engine or motor) which already exists as a necessary component for vehicle operation, and repurposes it to serve as the upper mounting portion for the shock absorber. This multi-functional use of the drive source eliminates the need for separate mounting structures, thereby reducing structural complexity while achieving the required shock absorber length.
3Length of stationary object
If the shock absorber length is increased to prevent contact with obstacles, then the ground clearance is improved, but the vehicle height increases
Solution Approach 1:
By mounting the upper portion of the shock absorber on the drive source which is positioned high in the vertical dimension, the patent achieves greater effective ground clearance without necessarily increasing the overall vehicle height. The shock absorber extends downward from this elevated mounting point, creating clearance space without adding to the vehicle's maximum height profile.
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 ensures the shock absorber can effectively absorb strong shocks during travel on rough terrain without contacting obstacles, enhancing the vehicle's stability and performance by providing a longer shock absorber with a higher upper mounting point and increased ground clearance.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorber to absorb shocks applied to the swing arm through the rear wheel
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a straddle vehicle that allows for high design flexibility, that can absorb strong shocks applied in the up-down direction, and that can avoid contacting obstacles on the ground. The straddle vehicle includes a supported structure and a shock absorber. The supported structure includes a first element that performs a first function and a second element that performs a second function, the second element being located above a rear of the first element. The shock absorber includes an upper mounting portion and a lower mounting portion. The lower mounting portion of the shock absorber is connected to a swing arm, and the upper mounting portion of the shock absorber is connected to the second element.