Motorcycle Swing Arm Layout for Electronic Suspension Valve Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In saddle riding vehicles with electronically controlled suspension, the integration of an electronically controlled valve within the swing arm compromises its rigidity and size, necessitating reinforcement and increased complexity to maintain shape and weight integrity.
Innovation Solution
The swing arm design includes a space for the suspension to pass vertically, with the electronically controlled valve section positioned on one lateral side of the suspension's upper portion, extending outward in the vehicle width direction, allowing for reduced interference and maintaining the swing arm's size and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electronically controlled valve is provided inside the swing arm, then the suspension control function is achieved, but the swing arm size increases and rigidity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronically controlled valve is extracted from the interior space of the swing arm and relocated to the suspension assembly. Specifically, the valve is disposed on the lateral side of the upper portion of the suspension and extends outward in the vehicle width direction, separating it from the swing arm structure. This extraction eliminates the need to compromise swing arm rigidity while maintaining the suspension control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve positioning utilizes the lateral dimension (vehicle width direction) rather than consuming interior space of the swing arm. By extending the valve outward from the suspension's lateral side, the design transforms a potential interior space conflict into an exterior arrangement, avoiding interference with swing arm structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electronically controlled valve is provided inside the swing arm, then the suspension control function is achieved, but the swing arm structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The electronically controlled valve is extracted from the swing arm structure and integrated into the suspension assembly instead. This separation maintains the swing arm's simple structural design while achieving the suspension control function through the valve's integration with the suspension's upper portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension assembly serves multiple functions: it provides suspension support and also houses the electronically controlled valve for active suspension control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for the swing arm to accommodate the valve, keeping the swing arm structure simple while achieving advanced suspension control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A saddle riding vehicle includes a swing arm in which front ends of arm sections and supporting a wheel are supported by a pivot shaft, and an electronic control suspension that is provided between the pivot shaft and the arm sections, that has a portion overlapping with the swing arm in side view of the vehicle and that includes a control valve section at an upper portion thereof. In the saddle riding vehicle, the control valve section is disposed on one lateral side in regard of the vehicle width direction of the upper portion of the suspension, and extends toward a vehicle width-directionally outer side from a side surface of the upper portion.