Swingarm Linkage Geometry Adjustment for Vehicle Ride Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oscillation systems for vehicle wheels, particularly in motorcycles, lack adjustability and require disassembly or replacement of components to change configurations, affecting vehicle attitude, comfort, and adherence to road surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An oscillation system for a vehicle wheel that includes a fluid-transfer device with a cylinder and piston, adjustable through a gas spring and incompressible fluid transfer, allowing dynamic adjustment of the wheel's attitude and suspension characteristics without disassembly, using a connecting rod and crank to vary the distance between ends for multiple configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting rod or crank is replaced to change the oscillation system configuration, then the vehicle attitude and suspension characteristics can be adjusted, but the device complexity increases and requires disassembly or replacement of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the connecting rod length adjustable during operation. The fluid transfer device enables the connecting rod to dynamically change its effective length between minimum and maximum positions, allowing the oscillation system to adapt to different vehicle attitudes and suspension characteristics without requiring component replacement or disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pneumatics and hydraulics by using a fluid transfer device with a piston and cylinder arrangement. Incompressible fluid is transferred between first and second chambers to move the connecting rod between its minimum and maximum length positions, enabling configuration adjustment through fluid pressure control rather than mechanical assembly changes.
2Length of stationary object
If the connecting rod length is increased to raise vehicle height, then the static height increases, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming requiring component replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the connecting rod length through the fluid transfer device, allowing the vehicle height to be changed quickly by transferring fluid between chambers rather than requiring time-consuming disassembly and replacement of the connecting rod with different length components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system of physically replacing connecting rod components with a fluid-based actuation system. The piston-driven fluid transfer mechanism substitutes for manual component installation and removal, dramatically reducing the time required to adjust vehicle height and suspension characteristics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connecting rods of different lengths are used to achieve multiple configurations, then the adaptability increases, but the quantity of components and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single connecting rod that can perform multiple functions through fluid actuation. The same connecting rod structure serves all configuration needs by dynamically adjusting its effective length between minimum and maximum positions, eliminating the requirement for multiple dedicated connecting rod components for different configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nested doll principle by placing the piston and fluid chambers within or alongside the connecting rod structure. The fluid transfer mechanism is integrated into the connecting rod assembly itself, allowing compact storage of the adjustment mechanism within the existing component footprint and avoiding the need for separate external adjustment devices.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the oscillation system is made more rigid to improve stability, then the vehicle attitude stability improves, but the comfort and vibration isolation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time adjustment of the oscillation system characteristics through fluid transfer. The system can be configured for higher stability when needed by adjusting the connecting rod length to optimize the kinematic chain geometry, or for improved comfort by adjusting to configurations that provide better vibration isolation, allowing dynamic adaptation to different road conditions and driving requirements.
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
Enables quick and dynamic adjustment of vehicle attitude, improving comfort, adherence, and stability by varying the static height and kinematic chain, enhancing the suspension's adjustability and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (24) which slides within said cylinder (21) thus varying the dimensions of said first chamber (22) and said second chamber (23)
Implementation Method 2
said distance variation means (11) comprise a gas spring (26) functionally combined with said second chamber (23) and/or said first chamber (22) of said cylinder (21)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
Oscillation system (1) of the swingarm (2) of a wheel (3) with respect to the frame (4), wherein said swingarm is rotatably constrained to said frame at a first pin (5), said system comprising at least one connecting rod (6) and at least one crank (7), wherein said connecting rod (6) comprises a first end (6a) connected to said frame and a second end (6b) rotatably constrained to said crank (7) at a further first end (7a) of said crank (7), and wherein said crank (7) comprises a further second end (7b) rotatably constrained to said swingarm at a second pin (8) distinct from said first pin (5), characterized in that said connecting rod and/or said crank comprise(s) means (11) to vary the distance (D) in a dynamic manner between said first end (6a) and said second end (6b) of said connecting rod, respectively, and/or between said further first end (7a) and said further second end (7b) of said crank.