Snowmobile Limiter Strap Adjustment Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Snowmobiles lack an efficient mechanism for adjusting the limiter strap of their rear suspension system during operation, making it difficult for users to optimize the vehicle's configuration for changing terrain conditions without stopping or dismounting.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle with a limiter strap adjustment system that includes a twist grip actuator connected to a control cable, allowing users to adjust the limiter strap's tension and configuration while operating, using a torsion spring and rotating cylinder mechanism to control the strap holder's position and maintain optimal suspension settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the limiter strap adjustment mechanism is made accessible during operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelimiter strap adjustment accessibilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A control cable acts as an intermediary element, transmitting mechanical force from the actuator located near the handlebar to the strap holder at the rear suspension. This allows the user to adjust the limiter strap while operating the vehicle without direct access to the strap itself, resolving the contradiction by enabling remote adjustment through a simple cable-mediated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex hydraulic or electronic adjustment systems with a simple mechanical cable-pulley system. The control cable connected to the strap holder can be actuated by a twist grip or lever near the handlebar, providing a mechanically simple yet effective solution that maintains ease of operation without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the actuator is positioned forward of the seat for user accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the space available for other components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator accessibilityVSAvoidavailable space in vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator is integrated into the existing handlebar assembly, allowing the handlebar to serve dual functions: steering control and limiter strap adjustment. The twist grip actuator shares the handlebar space with throttle and brake controls, providing multi-functionality that improves accessibility without significantly increasing the overall vehicle volume requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the control cable is routed through the vehicle body, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol cable protectionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control cable routing is divided into separate segments: an external portion near the handlebar for actuation, a protected internal portion routed through the vehicle body tunnel, and connection points at the strap holder. This segmentation allows the cable to be installed in sections, improving reliability through protected routing while maintaining reasonable ease of manufacture through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables users to adjust the limiter strap configuration dynamically, improving the snowmobile's performance and comfort across varying terrain conditions without needing to stop or dismount, enhancing the overall riding experience.

Implementation Method 1

using a torsion spring and rotating cylinder mechanism to control the strap holder's position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

A vehicle with a limiter strap adjustment system that includes a twist grip actuator connected to a control cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS11235634B2Vehicle with an actuator for adjusting a limiter strap

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PROD INC

AI summary

A vehicle comprises a chassis, a seat, an endless drive track, a rear suspension assembly with at least one slide rail and a substantially inextensible limiter strap extending between the chassis and the at least one slide rail, to limit separation between the at least one slide rail and the chassis. The strap holder is moveable between a first holder position and a second holder position, a position of the end of the limiter strap being different in the first strap holder position compared to the second strap holder position. A control cable is operatively connects the strap holder to a strap adjustment actuator. The strap adjustment actuator is disposed forward of the seat and is operable by a user during operation of the vehicle, the strap adjustment actuator being movable between first and second positions related to the positions of the strap holder.