Adjustable Shock Absorber Pivot Layout for Variable Vehicle Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension arrangements for vehicles, particularly micromobility vehicles, face challenges in adjusting damping characteristics and weight handling due to the complexity of multiple adjustments required, which discourages operators from making necessary changes, especially when load variations occur, such as with cargo bikes where load can change significantly.
Innovation Solution
A suspension arrangement that allows for the adjustment of vehicle operating height, spring rate, and damping ratio through the relative positioning of a shock absorber on a swing arm, with pivotable mounting members and a pivot point adjustment device, enabling a single action to change the steady-state position of the shock absorber in response to load changes, thereby simplifying the adjustment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual suspension adjustments are provided, then suspension adaptability to different road conditions and vehicle loads is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple suspension adjustment functions (damping ratio, spring rate, operating height) into a single integrated adjustment mechanism. By moving one component, all suspension parameters are adjusted simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate adjustments while maintaining full adaptability to different road conditions and vehicle loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The single adjustment mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it adjusts damping ratio, spring rate, and operating height all at once. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to various suspension requirements without requiring separate mechanisms for each parameter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual suspension adjustments are provided, then suspension adaptability to different vehicle loads is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple load-specific adjustment operations into a single action. The integrated mechanism simultaneously modifies damping ratio, spring rate, and operating height to match different vehicle load conditions, making the system easy to operate while maintaining full load adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system dynamically adapts to changing load conditions through a single adjustment operation. The mechanism automatically coordinates changes in multiple suspension parameters to maintain optimal performance across varying load scenarios.
3Reliability
If professional expertise is required for optimal suspension adjustment, then suspension performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all complex suspension adjustment operations into a single user-friendly mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for professional expertise by simplifying the adjustment process to one straightforward operation that simultaneously optimizes all suspension parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The single adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-explanatory and self-adjusting, allowing vehicle operators to perform optimal suspension tuning without external assistance. The integrated design inherently coordinates all parameter changes, making professional expertise unnecessary.
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 facilitates easy and precise adjustment of suspension parameters, improving weight handling and damping characteristics, allowing vehicles to adapt to varying loads without requiring multiple individual adjustments, enhancing both performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The shock absorber is arranged relative the vehicle part and the swing arm so that the first mounting member provides a first pivot point and the second mounting member provides a second pivot point
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a suspension arrangement for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a wheel arranged on a swing arm adapted to be pivotable relative a vehicle part about a swing arm pivot point, the suspension arrangement comprising: a shock absorber adapted to be arranged relative the vehicle part and the swing arm so that a first mounting member provides a first pivot point and a second mounting member provides a second pivot point, a pivot point adjustment device adapted for enabling position adjustment of the first pivot point and/or the second pivot point relative the swing arm to change a steady-state position of the shock absorber relative the swing arm in response to a load change. A vehicle and method of adjustment is also disclosed.