Side-by-side Vehicle Rear Suspension and Air Intake Design
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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 low center of gravity and increased ground clearance.
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 is divided into multiple independent control arms (front control arm, rear control arm, lateral control arm) that can move independently. This segmentation allows each arm to contribute to different aspects of suspension travel and wheel movement, increasing overall suspension capability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The control arms are designed to be moveably coupled to the frame rather than rigidly fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of wheel position relative to the frame. The bearing carrier enables the drive shaft to accommodate these dynamic movements while maintaining power transmission, creating a flexible suspension system that adapts to terrain variations
2Stability of the object's composition
If the air intake system is positioned at the front of the vehicle, then airflow access is improved, but the center of gravity is raised and stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake system is positioned laterally at the sides of the vehicle rather than longitudinally at the front or rear. This lateral positioning in a different dimensional orientation allows the airbox to be located low in the vehicle structure, maintaining a low center of gravity and improved stability while still providing adequate airflow access through side-mounted air intake openings
3Speed
If the control arms are positioned forward of the drive shaft, then the suspension response is improved, but the frame space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control arms are positioned asymmetrically relative to the drive shaft, with front and rear control arms at different longitudinal locations. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the suspension response characteristics by placing control points where they provide maximum mechanical advantage, while the lateral control arm extends in the lateral direction to utilize frame space efficiently without conflicting with longitudinal component placement
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.