Motorcycle Shock Pre-Load Control to Counter Brake Dive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motorcycle suspension systems require mechanical adjustments or air pressure changes to modify pre-load, which are inconvenient and cannot be modulated in real-time, affecting handling and comfort during different riding conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system that adjusts shock absorber pre-load by moving liquid within an internal expandable chamber, using a pump and controller, allowing for on-demand changes and automatic adjustments based on riding conditions, with solenoid valves for precise control and integration with the braking system to reduce brake dive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical pre-load adjustment systems are used, then pre-load can be adjusted, but the vehicle must stop and a spanner wrench must be used, making adjustment inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pre-load adjustment system (collar with staircase grooves and spanner wrench) with an automated pump system controlled by a controller. The pump can be actuated by a simple button press or automatically based on sensor inputs, eliminating the need for mechanical tools and manual intervention. This substitution of mechanical adjustment with an automated fluid-based system resolves the contradiction by making adjustment convenient and instantaneous.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect riding conditions (such as brake application, acceleration, or predefined sag thresholds) and trigger the pump to adjust pre-load without rider intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own state and making adjustments autonomously, eliminating the time loss associated with manual adjustment while maintaining optimal performance.
2Ease of operation
If air pressure is used to move the collar for pre-load adjustment, then adjustment can be made without mechanical tools, but the system requires stopping the vehicle and using an air compressor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pump system (which can be pneumatic or hydraulic) to adjust pre-load by moving fluid between a chamber and reservoir, changing chamber pressure to move the collar. Unlike traditional air pressure systems requiring external compressors and vehicle stoppage, this integrated pump system is built into the suspension assembly and can operate continuously during riding, resolving the contradiction by enabling rapid adjustment without stopping the vehicle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pre-load is increased for on-road performance to reduce brake dive, then handling improves, but vibration to the rider increases in off-road conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pre-load adjustment system that continuously or periodically modifies pre-load based on real-time sensor feedback about riding conditions. The controller receives inputs from sensors detecting brake application, acceleration, terrain type, or suspension sag, and adjusts pre-load accordingly. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize handling on-road by increasing pre-load to reduce brake dive, while simultaneously reducing pre-load off-road to minimize vibration, resolving the contradiction through real-time condition-based adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor riding conditions and feed this information back to the controller, which then adjusts pre-load through the pump system. The feedback loop enables the system to detect when the motorcycle is on-road versus off-road, and automatically adjust pre-load to the appropriate level, resolving the contradiction by adapting to actual riding conditions rather than being fixed at a single pre-load setting.
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
Enables convenient and dynamic pre-load adjustments to enhance handling and comfort by reducing brake dive and accommodating varying loads and riding conditions, improving the overall riding experience.
Implementation Method 1
a pump in fluid communication with and disposed between the chamber and the reservoir. The pump is configured to move liquid from the reservoir to the chamber.
Implementation Method 2
a shock absorber, also referred to simply as a shock, has an internal expandable chamber configured to correspondingly increase or decrease pre-load with increasing or decreasing of liquid within the chamber
Implementation Method 3
The controller may also use the pump to move liquid out of the chamber, although gravity in combination with the weight of the motorcycle may also accomplish this.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle suspension pre-load management system is disclosed. At least one suspension component, such as a motorcycle shock absorber, has an expandable chamber that with increased volume of a nearly incompressible fluid increases the suspensions pre-load. In one embodiment the system utilizes a controller, a pressure sensor, a pump, and a number of solenoids in a manifold block to allow a user to set a desired pre-load level. In another embodiment the controller monitors the pressure of the chamber and maintains a desired pre-load setting. In yet another embodiment, the controller identifies a hard braking event such that would cause a brake dive and increases the pre-load to counter act the dive.