Saddle-Ridden Vehicle Rear Suspension Linkage Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Saddle-ridden type vehicles face challenges in forming a large space below the front end of the swing arm for component arrangement and in reducing the weight of the vehicle body frame while maintaining rigidity, due to the placement of the rear cushion unit and link mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle design positions the rear cushion unit above the swing arm and configures the link mechanism to avoid protrusion below the swing arm, allowing for increased space and distributing loads in a manner that enhances the rigidity of the frame members without increasing their size or adding reinforcing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rear cushion unit and link mechanism are positioned below the swing arm, then the structural support is improved, but the space for arranging components such as exhaust chamber is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (below the swing arm) to a horizontal arrangement (above the swing arm). This spatial reconfiguration in another dimension resolves the contradiction by providing adequate component arrangement space below the swing arm while maintaining structural support through the horizontally extended link mechanism connecting the rear cushion unit to the swing arm.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lower end portion of the tie rod is attached to the lower end portion of the swing arm bracket portion, then the link mechanism connection is improved, but the rigidity requirement of the swing arm bracket portion increases leading to weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection point of the link mechanism is extracted from the lower end portion of the swing arm bracket portion and relocated to the upper end portion. This extraction eliminates the need for the swing arm bracket portion to withstand vertical loads from the tie rod, thereby reducing the rigidity requirement and allowing for a lighter vehicle body frame construction while maintaining proper link mechanism connection.
3Strength
If the swing arm bracket portion is made thicker to counter the load from the tie rod, then the rigidity is improved, but the vehicle body frame becomes heavy
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the thickness of the swing arm bracket portion to handle the load (conventional approach), the design inverts the approach by relocating the link mechanism connection point to the upper end portion of the swing arm bracket portion. This inversion changes the load path and reduces the structural requirements, allowing for a lighter bracket portion while maintaining sufficient rigidity through the alternative connection configuration.
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 enables the formation of a large space below the swing arm for component arrangement and reduces the weight of the vehicle body frame while maintaining sufficient rigidity, improving exhaust performance and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The rear cushion unit generally includes a spring and a damper
Implementation Method 2
The rear cushion unit generally includes a spring and a damper
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a saddle-ridden type vehicle. The vehicle includes frame members, pivot shaft supports, a swing arm, first and second support members, a rear cushion unit and a link mechanism. A first link member has one end portion pivotably connected to a rear end portion of the rear cushion unit, the other end portion located at a front lower side relative to the rear end portion and extending to a position at a rear side relative to a rear end portion of each frame member, and a swing arm connection unit. A second link member has one end portion pivotably connected to the other end portion of the first link member and the other end portion pivotably connected to the second support member. A cushion unit connection portion of the swing arm is pivotably connected to a swing arm connection portion of the first link member.