Tilting Vehicle Suspension With Segmented Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tilting chassis systems with more than three wheels face challenges in integrating a power transmission system comparable to automobiles, while maintaining the benefits of motorcycles, such as improved fuel economy, traction, and passenger protection, due to complexities with differential drive mechanisms and the need for sensors and feedback systems.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with a non-tilting frame and a tilting frame, where the tilting frame is rotatably attached to the non-tilting frame, allowing for a differential gearbox and telescopically adjustable drive shafts to accommodate varying wheel positions, eliminating the need for sensors and feedback systems to control lean angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a tilting chassis system with more than three wheels is used, then improved fuel economy, traction, and passenger protection are achieved, but the integration of a power transmission system becomes complex due to differential drive mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The chassis is divided into a non-tilting frame and a tilting frame that can rotate independently. This segmentation allows the power transmission system to remain stationary while the tilting frame and wheels move, simplifying the integration of differential drive mechanisms with the engine and drive train.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of tilting the entire vehicle including the power transmission system, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the power transmission system fixed in the non-tilting frame and allowing only the tilting frame with wheels to rotate. This reversal simplifies the power transmission architecture.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the drive system tilts with the rear wheel, then the vehicle can maintain balance during turns, but the rotation of the drive shaft creates complex angles with the driven axles
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is segmented into a non-tilting frame containing the engine and drive train, and a tilting frame containing the wheels. This allows the drive shaft to remain parallel to the driven axles while the tilting frame rotates, eliminating complex angular relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than tilting the drive system with the wheels, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the drive system fixed and allowing the tilting frame to rotate independently. This maintains simple drive shaft angles while achieving vehicle balance during turns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tilting chassis system is used, then the vehicle can lean during turns like a motorcycle, but sensors and feedback systems are required to control the lean angle
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting frame is designed to lean during turns through its own mechanical response to centrifugal force, without requiring external sensors or feedback systems. The passive tilting mechanism allows the vehicle to self-regulate its lean angle based on turning conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex sensor and feedback control systems are extracted from the design. The tilting mechanism relies on passive mechanical principles rather than active electronic control, removing the need for sensors and feedback systems to manage lean angle.
4Volume of moving object
If motorcycle suspension systems are used, then the vehicle can be compact like a motorcycle, but the suspension must be thirty to fifty percent stiffer to handle lateral acceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is segmented into vertical suspension elements that handle only vertical loads, separate from the tilting mechanism. This allows the use of softer, more comfortable suspension components while maintaining vehicle compactness through the tilting frame design.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than designing suspension to resist lateral acceleration forces, the invention inverts the approach by allowing the suspension to handle only vertical loads while the tilting mechanism manages lateral forces during turns. This enables softer suspension with improved comfort.
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 improved fuel economy, traction, and passenger protection, while simplifying the system by allowing a power transmission system similar to automobiles, with a smoother ride and increased load-carrying capacity without the complexity of sensors or feedback systems.
Implementation Method 1
a tilting frame of longitudinal extent rotatably attached to the non-tilting frame about a first axis
Implementation Method 2
providing for a smooth ride by absorbing road surface irregularities in the articulating recoil of individual wheels
Implementation Method 3
shock absorbers connected between the first and second horizontal members of each pair
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for a tilting vehicular chassis based on more than three wheels separates a tilting component of the chassis from a non-tilting component. The non-tilting component provides a means for powering the vehicle with automotive-type engine and drive train options, while the tilting component provides the turning stability necessary for a narrower wheel base. The narrower wheel base benefits fuel economy. The multiplicity of wheels, and the breadth of platform thus enabled, permits shelter and comfort features for the occupant not otherwise available on a typical two-wheel chassis.