Snowmobile Upper Arm Protrusions for Stuck Vehicle Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Snowmobiles often become stuck in snow with one side sunk in, making it difficult for users to return them to a driving position due to the lack of a suitable gripping zone on the front suspension components, which are typically smooth and slippery.
Innovation Solution
The snowmobile front suspension assembly is modified with upper arms featuring protrusions that extend from the sleeve and ball joint assembly, providing a gripping surface for the user to place their foot and apply weight to help upright the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper A-arm is made with smooth curved surfaces and ball joint assembly, then the manufacturing is simplified and appearance is improved, but the user cannot effectively apply weight to upright the snowmobile when stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding protrusions only to specific gripping zones on the upper A-arm where user contact is needed, while maintaining smooth surfaces in other areas for manufacturing simplicity and appearance. This localized modification provides the necessary friction for weight application without requiring the entire component to be non-smooth.
2Ease of operation
If protrusions are added to the upper arm for gripping, then the user can effectively apply weight to return the snowmobile to driving position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are segmented into discrete gripping zones rather than forming a continuous complex structure. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing processes and easier assembly while still providing multiple contact points for effective weight application by the user.
3Area of stationary object
If the footrests are positioned close to the longitudinal centerline, then the snowmobile structure is compact, but the user cannot create sufficient moment to upright the vehicle when stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions act as an intermediary element between the user's foot and the upper A-arm structure. This intermediary provides the necessary friction and mechanical advantage to transfer the user's weight effectively into a moment that can upright the snowmobile, eliminating the need to reposition the footrests farther from the centerline.
Data Source
AI summary
A snowmobile has a front suspension and ski assembly having a right side and a left side. The right and left sides each have an upper arm, a lower arm and a spindle. A ski is connected to the lower portion of each spindle. At least one of the upper arms has a least one protrusion extending therefrom.