Single-Pivot Front Wheel Suspension With Torque-Link Brake Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle front suspensions using telescopic technology face limitations such as significant weight, operating friction, and wear, which impair comfort and grip performance, and the single-pivot kinematics are not usable for front suspensions due to uncontrolled braking torque transmission.
Innovation Solution
A single-pivot type front steering wheel suspension with a 'front rocker' and torque rod design, incorporating a Caliper Support connected to the rocker and torque rod, allowing standard brake caliper mounting, and optimizing part arrangement for reduced mass, reliability, and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If telescopic suspension with cylindrical sliding links is used, then the suspension structure is mature and reliable, but the weight is significant and operating friction cannot be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional telescopic mechanical system with cylindrical sliding links with a pivot link system. The pivot link connects the rocker to the fork frame, allowing rotation instead of linear sliding. This substitution eliminates the need for cylindrical sliding links and their associated friction and wear problems, while reducing overall suspension weight through a more efficient mechanical architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental kinematic parameter from linear telescopic motion to rotational pivot motion. By transforming the suspension mechanism from a sliding link system to a pivot link system, the invention achieves reduced friction, reduced weight, and improved performance while maintaining reliability through a different mechanical approach.
2Device complexity
If single-pivot kinematics with front rocker is used, then the suspension is compact and simple, but braking torque causes uncontrolled compression or expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the braking system connection from the single-pivot suspension connection. Instead of directly connecting the brake caliper to the rocker, the invention introduces a separate brake caliper mounting on the fork frame. This segmentation prevents braking torque from being transmitted to the suspension pivot, eliminating uncontrolled compression or expansion while maintaining the simplicity of single-pivot kinematics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the braking function from the suspension system by providing a separate mounting location for the brake caliper on the fork frame rather than on the rocker. This extraction removes the harmful interaction between braking torque and suspension kinematics, allowing the single-pivot system to operate without uncontrolled movements during braking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard brake caliper mounting is retained with single-pivot suspension, then compatibility is maintained, but the arrangement of parts increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fork frame serve multiple functions: it provides the mounting location for the brake caliper (maintaining standard compatibility) and serves as the fixed reference point for the pivot link connection. This multi-functionality allows standard brake calipers to be mounted without increasing overall system complexity, as the fork frame already exists as a structural component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the brake mounting function with the existing fork frame structure. Instead of adding a separate complex mounting mechanism, the invention utilizes the fork frame's existing structure to provide both suspension pivot support and brake caliper mounting, thereby maintaining compatibility while minimizing additional complexity.
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
The solution provides a compact, reliable, and cost-effective front suspension system with improved comfort and grip by separating brake torque transmission, reducing part count, and enhancing mass and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a second rigid part, called the Rocker, connected on the one hand to the Fork Frame by a pivot connection whose axis of rotation is parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel
Implementation Method 2
the Caliper Support is connected on the one hand to the Rocker by a pivot connection coaxial with the Wheel Axle, and on the other hand to a Torque Rod by a pivot connection, the Torque Rod itself being connected to the Fork Frame by another pivot connection
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to the field of vehicle suspension. In theory, single pivot architecture is the simplest way to produce a suspension. However, in practice, this technology requires the addition of specific parts in order to manage the forces associated with the braking system and ultimately creates a complicated architecture that is incompatible with standard interface elements. The device according to the invention has a specific caliper support member enabling the architecture of this type of suspension to be considerably simplified and optimised. The device is provided with a single pivot rocker which provides a single degree of freedom for the front wheel to move in an arc, a caliper support member connected to said rocker by means of a pivot joint coaxial with the wheel axis and a torque link connecting the rocker to the fork frame by means of pivot or ball joints. The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for front steering wheel suspension, for motorcycles, bicycles, two-wheeled vehicles and the like.