Snowmobile Shock Absorber Linkage Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mono-shock suspensions in snowmobiles face challenges in maintaining vehicle rigidity while maintaining a required stroke in the shock absorber, as the large movable range of the shock absorber compromises the desirable positioning of connecting members between guide rails.
Innovation Solution
A snowmobile design featuring a link mechanism with a first and second link member connected to a frontal and rear connecting member, where the shock absorber is connected to either the first or second link member, and a connecting member is positioned above the guide rail, limiting the movable range of the shock absorber and maintaining rigidity by preventing excessive movement between guide rails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shock absorber is allowed to move with a large movable range to maintain required stroke, then shock absorption capability is improved, but vehicle rigidity deteriorates due to inability to properly position connecting members between guide rails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the connecting member in the vertical dimension (above the guide rail) rather than allowing horizontal movement between the guide rails. This dimensional change enables the connecting member to maintain a fixed position for rigidity while the shock absorber still achieves required stroke through vertical movement at the rear end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the shock absorber system into two independent connection points: the front end connected to the link mechanism with limited movement, and the rear end connected to the guide rail allowing full stroke movement. This segmentation enables different movement characteristics at different locations, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and shock absorption.
2Length of moving object
If the lower end of the shock absorber is positioned below the guide rail to maintain large movable range, then stroke is improved, but the connecting member cannot be arranged in a desirable position compromising rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member is repositioned from the horizontal plane (below the guide rail) to the vertical plane (above the guide rail). This dimensional relocation allows the connecting member to be properly positioned for structural rigidity while the shock absorber maintains its required stroke through vertical movement at the rear end.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism acts as an intermediary between the shock absorber and the guide rail, allowing the shock absorber to achieve full stroke while the connecting member maintains a fixed, desirable position above the guide rail for structural rigidity.
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 design allows for effective shock absorption with reduced movement of the shock absorber, maintaining vehicle rigidity and enabling a sufficient stroke for counteraction during impacts, enhancing the overall riding experience and vehicle stability.
Implementation Method 1
shock absorber 77 is capable of absorbing and transferring shocks from guide rails 63 to frame assembly 53
Implementation Method 2
a link mechanism connected to the frontal connecting member and the guide rail, and a shock absorber connected to the link mechanism and the rear connecting member
Data Source
AI summary
A snowmobile includes a vehicle frame, a track belt to which driving force is transferred from an engine mounted on the vehicle frame, a guide rail guiding the track belt, a frontal connecting member rotatably connected to the vehicle frame and the guide rail in a front portion of the snowmobile, a rear connecting member rotatably connected to the vehicle frame and the guide rail in a rear portion of the snowmobile, a first link member rotatably connected to the frontal connecting member, and a second link member rotatably connected to the first link member and the guide rail, and a shock absorber rotatably connected to the first link member or the second link member via a first connecting member. The first connecting member is provided above a second connecting member connecting the guide rail and the second link member.