Vehicle Suspension System Active Downward Force Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems, particularly for two-wheeled vehicles, fail to provide a direct active downward movement on the frame, leading to safety issues due to excessive upward movement over bumps, as they rely on gravity to return the vehicle to the road, which is inadequate for lighter vehicles like motorcycles.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with at least one pair of shock absorbers and extension arms pivotally attached to the frame, where the piston stem of the shock absorber is connected to an extension arm and the axle, providing a direct active downward force on the vehicle frame when encountering upward forces, and utilizing dual shock absorbers for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If shock absorbers are used to absorb upward movement from bumps, then the vehicle frame is protected from upward forces, but the vehicle moves upward significantly before gravity pulls it back down
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber is configured to apply a preliminary downward counteracting force on the vehicle frame when upward forces are applied to the wheel assembly. This preliminary anti-action prevents the frame from moving upward significantly in the first place, rather than allowing upward movement and then relying on gravity to return the frame to position.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on gravity to pull the frame downward after upward movement occurs, the system inverts the approach by actively applying downward force through the shock absorber to counteract upward forces immediately. The shock absorber acts as an active downward pulling mechanism rather than a passive upward absorbing mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a single shock absorber is used in the suspension system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability and control of two-wheeled vehicles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated shock absorber assembly that includes both the shock absorber and the wheel assembly connection. This merging provides both suspension function and steering column stability through the integrated pivotal connection, achieving enhanced stability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides suspension for the wheel assembly, stabilizes the steering column through pivotal connection, and actively counteracts upward forces on the frame. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address multiple stability requirements.
3Device complexity
If shock absorbers rely on passive gravity to return the vehicle to the road, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the safety of two-wheeled vehicles deteriorates due to airborne situations
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary downward counteracting force through the shock absorber before the vehicle can become airborne. This active counter-action prevents the harmful airborne situation from occurring in the first place, rather than relying on passive gravity to correct the situation after the vehicle has already lifted off the road.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful upward force from bumps into a beneficial downward pulling action on the frame. When the wheel assembly encounters an upward force, the shock absorber configuration transforms this into an active downward force on the frame through the pivotal connection, turning the harmful upward movement into a stabilizing downward action.
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 mitigates upward forces by actively pulling the vehicle frame downward, enhancing stability and safety by ensuring both wheels of a two-wheeled vehicle maintain contact with the road, reducing the risk of airborne situations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pair of shock absorbers each of the pair of shock absorbers having a piston and piston stem extending from the piston and through the shock absorber
Implementation Method 2
at least two extension arms each of the extension arms pivotally attached to the frame and having a first and a second end so that the first end is attached to the piston stem of one of the shock absorbers, the second end is attached to one of the axles
Data Source
AI summary
The invention broadly includes a suspension system for a vehicle that includes a vehicle frame, at least one pair of shock absorbers attached to the frame and having piston stems extending from the shock absorbers and attached to extension arms pivotally attached to the frame. The extension arms are attached to the tire axles optionally attached to support arms. The support arms are also attached to the pivot connection. The pivot connection is between the axle and the shock absorber.