Snowmobile Front Suspension Arm Design for Obstacle Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snowmobile front suspension arms are prone to collisions with obstacles and damage due to their lateral extension, which can cause shocks and structural damage when encountering rocks, branches, and other debris.
Innovation Solution
A front suspension arm design featuring a bent shape with a vertically higher first end and a lower second end, incorporating a support member with apertures and connecting members, and arms with oblong or oval cross-sections to increase clearance and durability, reducing the likelihood of collision and enhancing impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the front suspension arm extends laterally outward from the vehicle body, then the steering member can be positioned lower and to the side for proper steering geometry, but the suspension arm becomes prone to collision with obstacles such as rocks, branches, and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension arm transitions from a primarily lateral extension to include a significant vertical dimension through the bent portion. This dimensional change allows the arm to achieve the necessary steering geometry while clearing obstacles horizontally, as the vertical bend positions the lower end higher relative to the ground path of obstacles.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the front suspension arm is designed with a bent shape to reduce collision likelihood, then clearance with obstacles is improved, but the structural strength and rigidity of the arm may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-section of the suspension arm is optimized locally - being smaller in the vertical dimension (to achieve clearance) while maintaining or increasing dimensions in horizontal directions (to preserve strength). This local quality variation allows the arm to clear obstacles while retaining structural integrity where needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the suspension arm cross-section has a smaller vertical dimension to increase clearance, then obstacle collision is reduced, but the arm may become more susceptible to bending forces and impact damage
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension arm employs a composite construction with a core structure providing primary strength and outer shell or reinforcement elements providing additional rigidity. This composite approach allows reduction of vertical dimension for clearance while maintaining impact resistance through the combined properties of different materials or structural layers.
Data Source
AI summary
A front suspension arm is formed such that it is less likely to collide with obstacles exposed above the surface over which the associated vehicle is operated. The arm also has a greater strength against impact forces from the front. In one configuration, the front suspension arm has a relatively straight portion that is positioned on a body side and the front suspension arm has a bent portion that is formed on the ground contacting element side. The front suspension arm can have two arms having an oblong or oval shape in cross section.