Vehicle Shock Absorber Asymmetric Positioning for Compact Suspension Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to increase the maximum displacement (stroke) of the suspension device and the maximum leaning angle of a vehicle's body frame while maintaining compactness, as expanding the space between suspension components increases the vehicle's size in both the up-down and left-right directions.
Innovation Solution
The configuration involves positioning the left and right shock absorbers in a way that they interfere with portions of the lower cross member that have a high degree of freedom in shape selection, allowing for increased stroke and leaning angle without enlarging the vehicle's size, by positioning the telescopic axes relative to the steering axes and using recess portions to avoid interference and maintain rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the space between suspension components is increased to increase stroke and leaning angle, then the maximum displacement and maximum leaning angle are improved, but the vehicle size in up-down and left-right directions is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the shock absorbers from a configuration where they extend vertically to one where they are angled relative to the lower cross member. Specifically, the left shock absorber is positioned such that its telescopic axis is offset to the left of the left steering axis, and the right shock absorber is positioned such that its telescopic axis is offset to the right of the right steering axis. This dimensional repositioning allows the suspension components to achieve greater stroke and leaning angle while maintaining a compact vehicle footprint.
2Length of moving object
If the space between suspension components is increased to increase stroke and leaning angle, then the maximum displacement and maximum leaning angle are improved, but the vehicle size in left-right direction is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the shock absorbers relative to the steering axes. The left shock absorber is positioned asymmetrically to the left of the left steering axis, and the right shock absorber is positioned asymmetrically to the right of the right steering axis. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the leaning angle achievement while minimizing the left-right footprint of the vehicle.
3Length of moving object
If recess portions are added to avoid interference between shock absorbers and lower cross member, then the stroke and leaning angle are increased, but the rigidity of lower cross member is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively adding recess portions only in specific areas of the lower cross member where shock absorber interference occurs during suspension operation. The recess portions are strategically positioned to provide clearance for the shock absorber telescopic movement while minimizing material removal from critical structural areas, thereby maintaining overall rigidity while enabling increased stroke.
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 allows for increased stroke and leaning angle without enlarging the vehicle's size, while minimizing the reduction in rigidity and maintaining compactness, effectively addressing the challenge of size expansion.
Implementation Method 1
The inner tube and the outer tube are displaced relatively along a telescopic axis that extends in the up-down direction of the body frame
Implementation Method 2
a link mechanism disposed above the left front wheel and the right front wheel in an up-down direction of the body frame, and configured to change positions of the left front wheel and the right front wheel relative to the body frame to cause the body frame to lean to left or right of the vehicle
Data Source
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AI summary
A left shock absorber is disposed such that a left telescopic axis is positioned on the left of a left steering axis in a left-right direction of a body frame when a vehicle in which the body frame is standing upright is viewed from front in a front-rear direction of the body frame. A right shock absorber is disposed such that a right telescopic axis is positioned on the right of a right steering axis in the left-right direction of the body frame when the vehicle in which the body frame is standing upright is viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the body frame.