Snowmobile Ski Suspension Air Volume Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snowmobiles face challenges in directional control on varied surfaces, particularly requiring significant rider effort for deeper snow riding techniques, as conventional ski suspensions increase roll resistance and are inefficient on both deep snow and groomed trails.
Innovation Solution
Interconnecting ski air springs via conduits to share air volume and pressure between inward and outward airsprings, reducing the need for rider weight shift and pulling force by redistributing spring forces, allowing for easier chassis roll and improved handling on both deep snow and hard-pack conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional ski suspension is used, then handling on groomed trails is maintained, but rider effort for deeper snow riding increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The ski suspension system dynamically adjusts air pressure distribution between skis based on riding conditions. The cross-linking conduit with open/closed switch allows the system to transition between independent ski operation (for groomed trails) and interconnected air volume operation (for deeper snow), optimizing rider effort for each surface type
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of air pressure distribution by interconnecting the air volumes of the two skis through a conduit. This allows equalization of air pressure between skis, reducing the extension force on the inward ski and facilitating easier chassis roll into turns during deeper snow riding
2Ease of operation
If ski airsprings are interconnected to reduce rider effort, then deeper snow maneuverability improves, but handling on hard packed surfaces may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between two modes: independent ski operation for hard packed surfaces and interconnected air volume operation for deeper snow. The open/closed switch on the cross-linking conduit enables riders to select the appropriate mode, ensuring reliable handling on both surface types
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-linking conduit with switch mechanism provides multi-functionality, allowing the same suspension system to serve both groomed trail conditions (independent skis) and deeper snow conditions (interconnected air volumes), eliminating the need for separate suspension systems for different surfaces
3Reliability
If weight shift technique is used for deeper snow turns, then directional control improves, but physical effort and fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the purely mechanical weight-shifting technique with a pneumatic assistance system. By interconnecting the air volumes of the two skis, the system uses air pressure equalization to generate forces that assist the rider's weight shift, reducing the physical effort required to achieve the same directional control
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
Reduces rider effort and fatigue by allowing tighter turns and better control in deep snow while maintaining handling on groomed trails, with adjustable settings for different riding conditions and reduced bottoming on bumps.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of airspring biasing mechanisms whose air volumes are interconnected
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an improved snowmobile ski suspension including a pair of airspring biasing mechanisms whose air volumes are interconnected by a cross linking conduit that incorporates an open and closed switch. In an alternative embodiment a simpler configuration is provided for which does not include the use of an open or closed switch manifold.