Shock Absorber Support Structure for Utility Vehicle Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Utility vehicle shock absorbers can overload vehicle body frames, leading to insufficient load distribution, which may compromise structural integrity and vehicle performance.

Innovation Solution

A supporting structure for shock absorbers that includes connecting the shock absorber to a support portion of the vehicle body frame via a gusset, with a rollover protective structure (ROPS) to disperse the load, and configuring the shock absorber and ROPS to be aligned in a straight line to enhance load transmission and support strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the shock absorber is supported only by the vehicle body frame, then the structure is simple, but the load bearing capacity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the shock absorber support function with the ROPS structure by connecting both to the same support portion of the vehicle body frame. This merging allows the ROPS to share the load-bearing responsibility, thereby improving load bearing capacity without adding a completely separate support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support portion of the vehicle body frame serves multiple functions: it supports both the shock absorber and the ROPS. This multi-functionality allows a single structural element to handle multiple loads, improving overall strength while avoiding the need for additional dedicated support structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the shock absorber and ROPS are connected to the support portion, then the load dispersion is improved, but the alignment precision is challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload transmission efficiencyVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a bracket as an intermediary component between the shock absorber and the support portion. This bracket facilitates the connection and helps in achieving proper alignment, thereby improving load transmission efficiency while making the assembly process more manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the gusset connects the lower frame and rear frame, then the supporting strength is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupporting strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gusset is designed and pre-assembled to connect the lower frame and rear frame before final installation. This preliminary action ensures that the supporting strength is enhanced through proper structural reinforcement, while the modular design of the gusset makes it easier to manufacture and install as a pre-prepared component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10946707B2Supporting structure for shock absorber of suspension device and suspension structure of utility vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD

AI summary

A suspension structure of a utility vehicle includes: a shock absorber; and a trailing arm extending in a longitudinal direction of the utility vehicle. A lower end of the shock absorber is supported by a rear end of the trailing arm within a wheel as viewed in a side view of the utility vehicle.