Side-by-Side Vehicle Rear Suspension and Air Intake Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current side-by-side vehicles face challenges in optimizing suspension systems and air handling systems for improved performance and efficiency, particularly in terms of suspension travel, ground clearance, and air intake configurations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a rear suspension system with radius arms, control arms, and dampening members that allow for progressive motion ratios and increased suspension travel, along with an air intake system that includes a resonator box and airbox with a filter, positioned to enhance airflow and reduce noise, while maintaining a compact and efficient layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the suspension system uses traditional rigid mounting for the drive shaft, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the suspension travel and ground clearance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system employs dynamic control arms and radius arms that allow the drive shaft to move relative to the frame during suspension travel. The control arm pivots at multiple points, enabling the drive shaft to follow the wheel's motion path while maintaining power transmission, thus increasing suspension travel without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is divided into separate functional components: control arms for positioning, radius arms for power transmission, and dampening members for vibration control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve increased suspension travel
2Ease of operation
If the suspension system allows increased suspension travel, then the ride comfort is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening members are integrated into the existing control arm and radius arm structure, allowing them to dynamically adjust to suspension movements. The dampeners compress and extend with the suspension travel, providing ride comfort without requiring a separate complex damping system
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening function is merged with the structural control arms and radius arms. The dampening members are positioned within the existing suspension geometry, combining structural support with vibration damping in a single integrated system that improves ride comfort without proportionally increasing complexity
3Use of energy by moving object
If the air intake system is positioned for optimal airflow, then the power source efficiency is improved, but the vehicle noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator box serves as an intermediary component between the airbox and the power source air intake. It modifies the airflow characteristics and dampens acoustic resonances generated by the air intake system, allowing efficient air delivery while reducing the noise that would otherwise be transmitted to the power source and cabin
Solution Approach 2:
The resonator box takes the harmful acoustic energy and pressure fluctuations from the air intake system and converts them into beneficial airflow stabilization. By tuning the resonator to specific frequencies, it cancels out harmful noise while maintaining or even improving the efficiency of air delivery to the power source
4Power
If the drive shaft is positioned centrally for power transmission, then the power transfer efficiency is maintained, but the suspension component arrangement becomes constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm and radius arm assembly is designed to dynamically accommodate the drive shaft's position during suspension travel. The pivoting joints and linkages allow the drive shaft to maintain its central power transmission role while the suspension components adjust their positions and angles to accommodate wheel movement, ensuring both power efficiency and suspension adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle may include a CVT unit or a power source which requires ambient air. An air inlet for an air intake system coupled to the CVT unit or the power source which requires ambient air may be provided in a side of a cargo carrying portion of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a rear radius arm suspension.