Tunable Fork Chassis With Elliptical Tubes for Selective Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle suspension systems lack the ability to be selectively adjusted for stiffness, which is crucial for accommodating different rider preferences and terrain conditions, leading to a lack of optimal performance in various off-road riding scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The development of a tunable fork chassis with adjustable stiffness, achieved through the use of elliptical stanchion tubes with split bushings and reinforcement elements that can be rotated to align with the major or minor axis, allowing for customizable front-to-back and up-to-down bending stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension system uses a fixed stiffness design, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different rider preferences and terrain conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable stiffness by allowing the rider to change the orientation of the stanchion tube relative to the fork leg. The stanchion tube can be positioned at different angles (e.g., 0 degrees for softer stiffness, 45 degrees for stiffer response), transforming a static suspension system into a dynamic one that adapts to different riding conditions and rider preferences without requiring multiple complete suspension systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the stiffness parameter of the suspension system by altering the geometric orientation of the stanchion tube. By adjusting the angle between the stanchion tube and the fork leg axis, the effective stiffness of the suspension is modified. This allows a single suspension system to provide multiple stiffness characteristics through parameter adjustment rather than requiring multiple systems with different fixed properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stanchion tube uses a circular cross-section, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to provide selective stiffness in different directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elliptical cross-section for the stanchion tube instead of a circular one. This asymmetric geometry provides different moment of inertia values about different axes, allowing the tube to exhibit different stiffness characteristics when oriented at different angles. The elliptical shape enables selective stiffness control in different directions while still being manufacturable using standard tube forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of elliptical cross-section and adjustable orientation creates a dynamic stiffness characteristic. The rider can select the orientation of the elliptical tube to match the prevailing terrain conditions, transforming the static geometric property into a dynamic adjustment mechanism that optimizes performance without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Measurement precision
If the suspension system is designed for maximum stiffness, then the handling precision is improved, but the comfort and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable stanchion orientation provides a dynamic solution for balancing handling precision and comfort. When precise handling is needed on technical terrain, the rider can orient the stanchion for maximum stiffness. When comfort is prioritized on smoother terrain or for different riding styles, the rider can adjust to a softer orientation. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to choose between conflicting performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the stiffness parameter to match different riding scenarios. By adjusting the stanchion angle, the rider modifies the suspension's mechanical properties to optimize either handling precision or comfort based on immediate needs, rather than being constrained by a fixed design that must compromise between these opposing requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension assembly including a core member; and a skin member bonded on said core member. The skin member having a higher strength than the core member.