Vehicle Suspension Lock Mechanism Using Cam-Actuated Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems in vehicles lack an effective mechanism to stop the stroke of the shock absorber during vertical wheel motion, which can lead to instability and inefficient use of space in the vehicle design.
Innovation Solution
A suspension lock mechanism that utilizes a rocking arm with a gear and locking lever system, where the locking lever is engaged with the gear via a cam actuated by a cable, allowing for controlled locking of the shock absorber stroke and compact integration with the steering mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a telescopic shock absorber is provided to a suspension, then the suspension can absorb vertical motion, but the stroke of the shock absorber cannot be stopped during vertical wheel motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state of the suspension system by introducing a lockable mechanism that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The locking lever can engage with the gear to stop the stroke of the shock absorber, changing the suspension's behavior from continuously movable to fixed at specific positions, thus providing both stability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the suspension system dynamically adjustable by providing a locking mechanism that can be engaged or disengaged as needed. The locking lever can be positioned to engage or disengage from the gear teeth, allowing the system to switch between locked and unlocked states based on operational requirements
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to stop the shock absorber stroke, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-servicing through spring-loaded components. The first spring automatically pushes the locking lever toward the engaged position with the gear, while the second spring returns the operating lever to its initial position after operation. This self-service design reduces the need for complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate components such as the cam mechanism and spring-loaded levers that mediate between the operator's input and the locking action. These intermediaries translate simple lever movement into precise locking engagement, simplifying the overall control while maintaining reliability
3Ease of operation
If the locking lever is directly actuated by the cable, then the operation is simple, but the control over the locking lever operation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary between the cable-operated lever and the locking lever. When the cable pulls the operating lever, the cam converts this linear motion into rotational motion that pushes the locking lever against the spring force to engage or disengage from the gear. This intermediary mechanism provides mechanical advantage and precise control
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism utilizes curved surfaces to transform the linear pull of the cable into rotational motion. The curved profile of the cam allows for smooth transition and mechanical advantage, making the operation easier while maintaining precise control over the locking lever's engagement
4Volume of moving object
If multiple components are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body-side member, then the mechanism can be compacted, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the vehicle body-side member to arrange components in a compact configuration. By positioning the gear, locking lever, and cam along the length of the support arm, the mechanism achieves compactness in other dimensions while accepting increased longitudinal space requirement
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 mechanism effectively stops the shock absorber stroke, enhances compactness and protection of components, and facilitates easy operation by using an elastic force to engage the locking lever, thereby improving vehicle stability and design efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the cam (353) is actuated by a cable operated lever (352) operated by the cable via an elastic body (356)
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a suspension lock mechanism that can stop a stroke of a suspension of a vehicle. In a suspension lock mechanism (330) of a rocking vehicle where a pivot arm (37a) is rockably supported by a support arm (36b) provided on the vehicle body side, a front wheel is supported by an end of the pivot arm (37a) via an axle and a stroke of a link type suspension mechanism in which a shock absorber is extended/contracted by a rocking of the pivot arm (37a) is stopped, a locking gear (351) interlocked with the rocking of the pivot arm (37a) is provided and a locking lever (354) engaged with the locking gear (351) is provided.