Snowmobile Frame And Foot Grip Layout for Deep Snow Side-Hilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing snowmobile designs, particularly those designed for deep snow conditions, face challenges in providing optimal ride and handling characteristics, especially during side-hilling maneuvers, due to inadequate frame and suspension configurations.

Innovation Solution

The snowmobile incorporates a frame with a tunnel having cutout portions, a foot grip assembly with a toe clip extending rearwardly beyond a shroud, and a rear snow flap with apertures, along with a steering assembly positioned at a near-vertical angle to enhance maneuverability and reduce weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the snowmobile is designed for deep snow application with longer track length and larger displacement engine, then power and traction are improved, but weight and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepowerVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is divided into multiple sections with cutout portions that segment the structure to reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity for deep snow applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame has varying wall thicknesses and densities in different sections, with cutout portions strategically placed to reduce weight in non-critical areas while maintaining strength where needed for power transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the frame structure is made more robust for deep snow conditions, then strength and stability are improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestrengthVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The frame employs variable wall thicknesses and selective material density, with thicker sections providing strength in load-bearing areas and thinner sections reducing weight in non-critical zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The frame utilizes composite construction with cutout portions that create a hollow structure, combining material strength with weight reduction through strategic void spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the toe clip extends rearwardly beyond the shroud, then ease of operation and access are improved, but snow accumulation and harmful factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessVSAvoidsnow accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The toe clip extends in the longitudinal dimension beyond the shroud's rear edge, creating a protruding feature that improves foot access while the shroud's lateral envelope contains snow laterally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The extended toe clip area, which could accumulate snow, is designed with features that channel or shed snow away, converting the potential harmful accumulation zone into a functional area that maintains ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20260001619A1snowmobile

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 POLARIS IND INC

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to snowmobiles. More particularly, the present invention relates to the components of a snowmobile such as the frame, running boards and various other assemblies.