Snowmobile Suspension Linkage for Weight Transfer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rear suspension systems for snowmobiles do not adequately address the discomfort and performance issues caused by irregular terrain, particularly during acceleration and deceleration, which lead to weight transfer and steering interference.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system design featuring a rail, suspension arms, a bracket arm, links, and shock absorbers with specific pivot axes and connections to manage weight transfer and maintain ride comfort, including a tie rod and second shock absorber configuration to counteract upward and downward forces during acceleration and deceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional rear suspension systems are used, then the snowmobile can travel over irregular terrain, but weight transfer during acceleration and deceleration causes steering interference and reduced performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a link and shock absorber assembly that generates counteracting forces to offset weight transfer during acceleration and deceleration. The link connects the slide frame to the chassis, and the shock absorber provides damping force that opposes the direction of weight transfer, thereby preventing ski lift-off during acceleration and tunnel compression during deceleration, maintaining steering control throughout
2Ease of operation
If the suspension system is designed to absorb impact loads from rough terrain, then ride comfort is improved, but the system becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The link and shock absorber assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it absorbs impact loads from rough terrain through the shock absorber's damping action, counteracts weight transfer during acceleration and deceleration through the link's geometric configuration, and maintains proper track tension. This multi-functionality achieves improved ride comfort without proportionally increasing system complexity
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
The system effectively counteracts weight transfer during acceleration and deceleration, maintaining ride comfort and stability by creating downward and upward forces that oppose undesirable movements of the tunnel, thus enhancing the overall performance and comfort of the snowmobile.
Implementation Method 1
A shock absorber assembly includes a first end pivotally supported on a shaft adjacent to the first end of the swing arm
Implementation Method 2
hydraulic dampers
Implementation Method 3
pivotally supported on the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension assembly for a snowmobile comprises first and second suspension arms pivotally connected to a chassis and to a rail, and extending forwardly and upwardly from the rail. A bracket arm is fixedly connected to the first suspension arm. A link is pivotally connected to the bracket arm. A first shock absorber is pivotally connected to the first suspension arm and to the rail. The lower end of the first shock absorber is disposed forwardly of the lower end of the first suspension arm. A second shock absorber is pivotally connected to the link and to second suspension arm. The lower end of the second shock absorber is disposed rearwardly of the lower end of the first shock absorber. A tie rod is pivotally connected to the link, and to the second suspension arm. A snowmobile having such suspension system is also disclosed.