Suspension Arm Support Bracket Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support assemblies for suspension arms in vehicles with endless tracks, such as snowmobiles, face challenges with wear and costly repairs due to the pivot connections with the chassis, which can be complex and require frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly design featuring a bracket connected to the tunnel and a thermoplastic connector with a flange and c-clip mechanism that allows the top bar of the suspension arm to pivot freely, with a metal plate acting as a buffer to reduce wear and maintain the arm's position, eliminating the need for lubrication and simplifying replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pivot connections are used to connect suspension arms to the chassis, then the suspension system can achieve necessary movement and pivoting, but the connections wear over time and require costly or complicated replacement or repair
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into separate components: a support body connected to the chassis, a connector with a passage receiving the top bar, and a retaining structure. This segmentation allows individual parts to wear independently and be replaced separately, reducing repair complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a wear component that can be easily replaced when worn. By making this specific part replaceable and relatively simple in construction, the system allows for cost-effective maintenance without requiring complex repair procedures for the entire pivot connection assembly
2Stability of the object's composition
If a connector with c-clip is used to maintain the lateral position of the top bar, then the lateral position is maintained, but friction between the connector and c-clip could cause wear on the connector
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining structure with a retaining passage is introduced as an intermediary between the c-clip and the top bar. This retaining passage receives the top bar and works together with the c-clip to maintain lateral position while distributing contact forces, thereby reducing wear on any single component including the connector
3Ease of operation
If a thermoplastic connector is used to allow free pivoting of the top bar, then the connector provides lightweight and low-maintenance operation, but the connector may break under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly combines thermoplastic material for the connector body with metal or harder material for the retaining structure and c-clip components. This composite approach allows the thermoplastic to provide lightweight, low-friction pivoting while the other materials provide structural strength and wear resistance where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure with its retaining passage is designed to accommodate and distribute stress before it reaches the connector. This protective structure cushions the connector from excessive forces that could cause breaking, while still allowing free pivoting motion under normal operating conditions
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 solution provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and low-maintenance pivot connection that reduces wear and simplifies repairs, ensuring reliable operation of the suspension system without the need for lubrication, thereby enhancing the durability and operational efficiency of the vehicle's suspension system.
Implementation Method 1
The connector is formed from a durable, light friction material, such as a thermoplastic. The top bar is loosely received in a passage through the connector, such that the top bar can pivot or rotate within the connector.
Implementation Method 2
As the connector is rotationally fixed while the clip rotates with the top arm, friction between the connector and clip could cause wear on the connector. The plate, formed from metal and fastened to the connector, acts as a buffer between the connector and the clip.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a chassis; a seat; a motor; an endless drive track; a suspension assembly supporting the endless drive track. The suspension assembly includes at least one slide rail and at least one suspension arm pivotally connected to the slide rail and the chassis, the arm including a top bar extending laterally and a shock absorber. A first support assembly connecting a first end portion to a first chassis side and a second support assembly connecting a second end portion to a second chassis side. Each support assembly includes a bracket connected to the chassis at a top portion of the bracket; and a connector disposed on an end portion of the top bar, the connector including an arm portion, the end portion extending through a connector passage, and a flange portion defining a slot therein, a bottom portion of the bracket being received in the slot.