Vehicle Suspension Elastomeric Damping Torsional Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspension systems for vehicles, such as riding mowers and off-highway vehicles, fail to effectively absorb vibrations and shocks over uneven terrain, particularly limiting the adjustability and maintainability of dampening characteristics, and can lead to de-coupling of drive wheel motors.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system incorporating a sleeve with an elastomeric insert and non-round core, allowing for torsional damping of non-drive and drive wheels, and elastomeric bumpers for seat suspension, enabling adjustable and maintainable shock absorption without limiting vertical movement, and integrating motor-and-pump systems for reduced maintenance and improved traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional elastomeric pillows are used for suspension, then vertical buffering is achieved, but downward movement of the wheel is limited and the system lacks adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system is divided into separate functional components: a spring element for vertical buffering and a dampener assembly with adjustable damping characteristics. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function - the spring provides vertical support while the adjustable dampener controls motion without limiting wheel movement
Solution Approach 2:
The dampener assembly incorporates adjustable damping characteristics that can be modified based on operating conditions. The system transitions from a fixed-dampening design to a dynamic, adjustable system that adapts to different terrain and load conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and operational freedom
2Ease of repair
If torsion axle suspension with rubber cords is used, then axial rotation buffering is achieved, but varying dampening amount and maintenance are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The dampener assembly is extracted as a separate, self-contained unit from the axle structure. This allows the dampener to be easily removed, maintained, and replaced without disassembling the entire axle system, significantly improving maintainability while keeping the overall structure manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The dampener assembly acts as an intermediary component between the axle and wheel assembly. This modular design simplifies maintenance by providing a discrete unit that can be serviced independently, reducing the complexity of the overall maintenance procedure
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed dampening suspension is used, then shock absorption is provided, but adaptability to different terrain and user weight is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system incorporates adjustable parameters including dampening force, spring preload, and seat position. These parameters can be modified to adapt to different user weights and terrain conditions, providing versatility without requiring a completely different suspension system for each condition
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is designed to perform multiple functions: vertical buffering, lateral stabilization, and adjustable dampening for different users and conditions. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified design that integrates various adjustment mechanisms into a single versatile system
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
Significantly reduces shock and vibration, allows for easy selection and replacement of dampening characteristics, and prevents de-coupling of drive wheel motors, enhancing user comfort and vehicle performance on irregular terrain.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric insert (14) defining a non-round passageway (15) or bore therethrough. A non-round core structural element (16) is snugly received within said bore
Implementation Method 2
allowing for torsional damping of non-drive and drive wheels
Implementation Method 3
elastomeric bumpers for seat suspension, enabling adjustable and maintainable shock absorption
Data Source
AI summary
The invention disclosed herein comprises a vehicle having improved suspension systems for wheels, motorized wheels and the seat of the user. The wheel suspension system includes a sleeve housing a non-round core snugly surrounded by an elastomeric shock-absorption material. Since both ends of the sleeve have downstanding arms forming the “forks” supporting a caster axle, irregularities in the terrain encountered by the caster exert torsion upon the core; embedding the core in elastomeric material dampens the shock. The suspension system for the wheel assembly (including any motorized drive shaft) essentially includes pivot-mounting the wheel assembly (wheel-motor) beneath the chassis frame, so that irregularities in the terrain encountered by the drive wheel cause the wheel assembly to flex inwardly (for bumps) or outwardly (for holes); in the resting position there is an elastomeric bumper or compression spring horizontally mounted adjacent to a stop-plate on the pivoting cradle carrying the wheel assembly (or wheel-motor), so that further inward flexion is dampened. The seat suspension system includes elastomeric bumpers essentially acting as fulcrums, to dampen shock by absorbing it directly and by cantilevering the seat for further shock absorption.