Pivoting Swing Arm Suspension for Personal Tracked Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suspension systems for personal tracked vehicles, particularly stand-up personal tracked vehicles, lack improvements and are not directly applicable from those used in snowmobiles or ATVs, requiring a specialized design to enhance shock absorption and terrain handling.
Innovation Solution
A suspension assembly featuring pivotally connected swing arms with shock absorbers, where at least one wheel is rotatably connected to each end of the swing arms, allowing for effective contact with the tracks and improved shock absorption, with the option of idler or drive wheels and multiple shock absorbers interconnected or independent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a simple suspension system is used in stand-up personal tracked vehicles, then the vehicle remains compact and lightweight, but the shock absorption capability is insufficient for rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into multiple independent swing arms (first swing arm, second swing arm, third swing arm) that can move independently to absorb shocks from different directions and terrain irregularities, enhancing shock absorption capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arms are designed with pivotal connections that allow dynamic movement and adjustment during vehicle operation, enabling the suspension to adapt to varying terrain conditions and provide effective shock absorption without requiring a complex fixed-structure system
2Reliability
If multiple swing arms with shock absorbers are added to improve suspension performance, then shock absorption improves, but the vehicle becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Shock absorbers are strategically positioned at specific locations on the swing arms where they are most needed for effective shock absorption, rather than uniformly distributing weight throughout the vehicle, thus improving suspension performance with minimal weight addition
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 suspension assembly enhances the ride quality and stability of personal tracked vehicles by effectively absorbing shocks and maintaining track tension, enabling better handling over irregular terrain.
Implementation Method 1
At least one shock absorber is connected to the first and second swing arms
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension assembly for a personal tracked vehicle comprises a first swing arm pivotally connectable to a frame of the vehicle. The first swing arm has a first end and a second end. A second swing arm is pivotally connectable to the first swing arm. The second swing arm has a first end and a second end. At least one spring member is connected to the first and second swing arms. At least one first wheel is rotatably connected to the first end of the first swing arm. At least one second wheel is rotatably connected to the first end of the second swing arm. The at least one first and second wheels are adapted to be in contact with the same track of the vehicle. The first and second wheels are one of an idler wheel and a drive wheel. Suspensions and personal tracked vehicles are also presented.