Electric Snowmobile Front Suspension Layout for Stable Camber and Caster
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snowmobile designs, particularly those with internal combustion engines, face challenges in optimizing front shock absorber placement and geometry due to space constraints, leading to suboptimal shock absorption and reduced frame endurance under external forces, which is exacerbated in electric snowmobiles where traditional engine components are absent, necessitating a redesign tailored for electric power systems.
Innovation Solution
The design features a frame with parallel upper and lower suspension A-arms that mirror each other, with front shock absorbers connected at the same top location on a pyramid-shaped structure, allowing for longer spindles and rear connection points optimized near the roller tunnel, maintaining constant camber and caster angles across compression ranges, and incorporating vibration isolators between the battery package and frame to absorb external shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If traditional engine components are present in snowmobiles, then space constraints are imposed on shock absorber placement, but removing them for electric snowmobiles creates new space availability that requires redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into distinct functional segments: upper suspension A-arms, lower suspension A-arms, spindles, and shock absorbers. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized for its specific function while accommodating the new space availability in electric snowmobiles without requiring complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the additional space in electric snowmobiles by extending the suspension travel distance vertically and repositioning components along the longitudinal axis. The shock absorbers are positioned to utilize the full vertical space available, and the A-arms are configured with optimized lengths and angles that take advantage of the extra room created by removing the internal combustion engine.
2Reliability
If shock absorbers are placed in traditional locations, then space utilization is limited, but optimizing their placement improves shock absorption efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is designed with multi-functional elements that serve both structural support and suspension mounting functions. The pyramid-shaped front frame structure provides both structural rigidity and optimized mounting points for the shock absorbers, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement components and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is pre-configured with optimized mounting locations for the shock absorbers during the initial design phase. The upper and lower connection points are positioned to achieve the ideal shock absorption geometry before assembly, ensuring that the shock absorbers operate at optimal angles and lengths without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If A-arms are configured for traditional geometries, then manufacturing is simplified, but optimizing camber and caster angles improves suspension performance
Solution Approach 1:
The A-arms are designed with specific geometric parameters optimized for electric snowmobiles: the upper suspension A-arms have lengths and angles configured to maintain constant camber angle throughout suspension travel, while the lower suspension A-arms are positioned to achieve optimal caster angle. These parameter changes improve suspension performance while remaining within standard manufacturing tolerances through precise but conventional fabrication methods.
4Reliability
If shock absorbers use traditional lengths, then assembly is easier, but longer shock absorbers improve shock absorption across compression ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is designed with dynamic characteristics that maintain constant camber and caster angles throughout the compression range. The longer shock absorbers are configured with specific mount points on the A-arms that allow the geometry to remain optimized during suspension travel, creating a dynamically balanced system that performs consistently across all compression states without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
This configuration enhances shock absorption efficiency, improves frame resistance to external forces, and maintains ergonomic driving posture, providing better riding comfort and endurance in harsh conditions while optimizing space utilization for electric snowmobiles.
Implementation Method 1
one or more vibration isolators (10) configured between the battery package and the frame (9), for diminishing the effects from outer shocks towards the battery package
Data Source
AI summary
Front shock absorbers and related support (i.e. suspension) structures are within the frame of an electric snowmobile. The structure includes upper and lower suspension A-arms and a spindle for both skis. A rear connection point for the lower suspension A-arm is placed more to the rear within the frame. The length of the front shock absorbers is designed to be larger. This configuration is possible because of more space available in the electrically driven snowmobile. The caster (β) and camber (α) angles may be kept as constant during any compression magnitude of the front shock absorbers.