Triangular Swing Arm Crumple Zone for Three-Wheeled Vehicle Frame Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current swing arm designs for vehicles are vulnerable to collisions, often resulting in irreparable damage to the vehicle frame due to the direct transfer of collision forces, and lack integrated protection for wheel assembly components like wires and brake lines.

Innovation Solution

A triangular, single-sided swing arm with a U-shaped frame yoke and an angled wheel yoke forms a right triangle, incorporating a C-beam structure with alternating thicknesses and a secondary crumple zone to absorb collision forces, and a trough for protecting components, reducing the risk of frame damage and enhancing structural support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional swing arm design is used to pivotally fix a wheel to the vehicle frame, then the wheel can be suspended and driven, but collision forces are directly transmitted to the vehicle frame causing irreparable damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision protectionVSAvoidframe integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The swing arm incorporates a crumple zone with predetermined collapse geometry designed to absorb collision forces before they reach the vehicle frame. This pre-engineered energy absorption mechanism protects the frame from irreparable damage by dissipating impact energy through controlled deformation of the swing arm structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful collision force into beneficial energy absorption through the crumple zone. The controlled collapse of the swing arm structure transforms the destructive impact energy into deformation work, protecting the vehicle frame while maintaining the wheel's suspension and drive functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If the swing arm structure is strengthened to protect against collisions, then frame damage is reduced, but the weight and complexity of the swing arm increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision protectionVSAvoidswing arm weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The swing arm features non-uniform cross-sectional geometry with varying wall thicknesses strategically positioned to optimize strength where needed and reduce weight where possible. The crumple zone has specific geometric features that concentrate material in high-stress areas while maintaining lighter construction in low-stress regions, achieving protection without excessive weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The swing arm is constructed as a composite structure combining different material properties and geometric configurations. The asymmetric cross-section with alternating wall thicknesses creates a composite-like structure that optimizes the strength-to-weight ratio, providing collision protection while minimizing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If wheel assembly components are routed externally on the swing arm, then access and installation is easier, but the components are vulnerable to damage and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent accessVSAvoidcomponent protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The swing arm includes integrated troughs and channels that form protective housings for wheel assembly components. These components are nested within the swing arm structure itself, protected by the swing arm's outer shell while maintaining accessible positions for installation and maintenance. The troughs create protected pathways that shield wires, brake lines, and other components from environmental damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 design effectively distributes collision forces, reducing the risk of frame damage and providing protection for wheel assembly components, enhancing vehicle safety and durability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a C-beam structure with alternating thicknesses and a secondary crumple zone to absorb collision forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnergy absorption through deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS10112652B2Three-wheeled vehicle crumple zone

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 VANDERHALL MOTOR WORKS INC

AI summary

A three-wheeled vehicle crumple zone is described. The crumple zone includes a triangular, single-sided swing arm coupling a wheel to a frame of the vehicle at an end-most portion of the vehicle. The swing arm includes a u-shaped frame yoke coupling the swing arm to the frame and an angled wheel yoke coupling the wheel to the swing arm. The wheel yoke extends from the frame yoke at an angle ranging from 40 to 70 degrees, such that the frame yoke, the wheel yoke, and a centerline axis extending perpendicularly from the frame yoke form a right triangle.