U.S. patent application number 09/853574 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-21 for rear suspension system for a snowmobile.
Invention is credited to Vaisanen, Esa.
Application Number | 20020033290 09/853574 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26927683 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020033290 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vaisanen, Esa |
March 21, 2002 |
Rear suspension system for a snowmobile
Abstract
The present invention provides a snowmobile suspension that
provides a substantially constant motion-ration (i.e. reduced
falling rate) over the entire suspension stroke of the suspension
system. The suspension system includes a suspension assembly that
includes a lower arm assembly, a suspension arm, and a shock
absorber. The lower arm assembly pivotally interconnects the lower
portion of the suspension arm and the lower end of the shock
absorber to the slide frame at a location relative to the chassis
and within the endless track. The upper portion of the suspension
arm and the upper end of the shock absorber pivot independently
from each other, and the upper portion of the suspension arm is
positioned lower and forward of the upper end of the shock
absorber. The upper end of the shock absorber is positioned
relative to the chassis and within the endless track. The mounting
positions defined by (i) the upper end of the suspension arm, (ii)
the upper end of the shock absorber, (iii) the lower end of the
suspension arm, and (iv) the lower end of the shock absorber
cooperate to provide a substantially constant motion-ratio as the
slide frame collapses toward the frame element.
Inventors: |
Vaisanen, Esa; (Rovaniemi,
FI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PILLSBURY & WINTHROP LLP
East Tower, Ninth Floor
1100 New York Avenue
Washington
DC
20005-3918
US
|
Family ID: |
26927683 |
Appl. No.: |
09/853574 |
Filed: |
May 14, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60234218 |
Sep 21, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
180/190 ;
180/182 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62M 2027/026 20130101;
B62M 27/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
180/190 ;
180/182 |
International
Class: |
B62M 027/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A snowmobile suspension, comprising: a slide frame for
engagement with an endless track; a frame element for connection to
a chassis on a snowmobile; a lower arm assembly with a lower end
and an upper end, the upper end being pivotally mounted relative to
the slide frame; a suspension arm with an upper end pivotally
mounted relative to the frame element and a lower end pivotally
mounted to the lower end of the lower arm assembly; and a shock
absorber with an upper end pivotally mounted relative to the frame
element and a lower end pivotally mounted relative to the
suspension arm, wherein the upper end of the suspension arm is
positioned forward of and below the upper end of the shock
absorber, wherein the upper end of shock absorber is positioned
adjacent the frame element and the lower end of the shock absorber
is positioned adjacent the slide frame, wherein pivotal cooperation
between (i) the upper end of the suspension arm, (ii) the upper end
of the shock absorber, (iii) the lower end of the suspension arm,
and (iv) the lower end of the shock absorber provide for a
substantially constant motion-ratio as the slide frame collapses
toward the frame element.
2. A snowmobile suspension according to claim 1, wherein the frame
element comprises a transverse cross bar fixedly attachable to the
chassis of a snowmobile.
3. A snowmobile suspension according to claim 1, wherein the lower
arm assembly comprises: two lower arm brackets each having a first
end and a second end, the first ends being connected to a
transverse tube, which forms the upper end of the lower arm
assembly.
4. A snowmobile suspension according to claim 3, wherein the lower
end of the shock absorber is pivotally mounted to the an extension
bracket which is fixedly connected to lower end of the suspension
arm.
5. A snowmobile suspension according to claim 3, wherein the lower
end of the suspension arm comprises a transverse tube pivotally
mounted to a transverse shaft, the transverse shaft being connected
to the lower end of the lower arm.
6. A snowmobile suspension according to claim 3, wherein the upper
end of the lower arm assembly is pivotally mounted to a second
transverse shaft that is fixedly connected at each end to the slide
frame.
7. A snowmobile suspension according to claim 1, further
comprising: a first pair of extension brackets each having first
and second ends, wherein the first ends are fixedly connected to
the frame element and the second ends have pivotally mounted
thereto the upper end of the suspension arm.
8. A snowmobile suspension according to claim 7, wherein the upper
end of the suspension arm comprises a transverse upper tube and the
lower end of the suspension arm comprises a transverse lower tube,
transverse upper tube being connected to the transverse lower tube
by at least one connecting beam.
9. A snowmobile suspension according to claim 8, wherein the at
least one connecting beam comprises two metal bars.
10. A snowmobile suspension according to claim 8, wherein the at
least one connecting beam comprises two metal tubes.
11. A snowmobile suspension according to claim 7, wherein
transverse upper tube of the suspension arm is pivotally mounted to
a second transverse shaft which is attached at each end to the
second ends of the first pair of extension brackets.
12. A snowmobile suspension according to claim 1, further
comprising: a second pair of extension brackets each having first
and second ends, wherein the first ends are fixedly connected to
the frame element, the upper end of the shock absorber being
pivotally connected to the second ends.
13. A snowmobile, comprising: a chassis; an engine disposed on the
chassis; a drive track disposed below the chassis and connected
operatively to the engine for propulsion of the snowmobile; at
least one ski disposed on the chassis; a seat disposed on the
chassis, suitable for a rider; a steering device disposed on the
chassis forward of the seat, the steering device being operatively
connected to the at least one ski for steering the snowmobile; a
frame element connected to the chassis; a lower arm assembly with a
lower end and an upper end, the upper end being pivotally mounted
relative to the slide frame; a suspension arm with an upper end
pivotally mounted relative to the frame element and a lower end
pivotally mounted to the lower end of the lower arm assembly; and a
shock absorber with an upper end pivotally mounted relative to the
frame element and the lower end pivotally mounted to the lower end
of the lower arm assembly, wherein the upper end of the suspension
arm is positioned forward of and below the upper end of the shock
absorber and pivots independently of the upper end of the shock
absorber, wherein the upper end of rear shock absorber is
positioned adjacent the frame element and the lower end of the
shock absorber is positioned adjacent the slide frame, wherein
pivotal cooperation between (i) the upper end of the suspension
arm, (ii) the upper end of the shock absorber, (iii) the lower end
of the suspension arm, and (iv) the lower end of the shock absorber
provide for a substantially constant motion-ratio as the slide
frame collapses toward the frame element.
14. A snowmobile according to claim 13, wherein the frame element
comprises a transverse cross bar fixedly attachable to the
chassis.
15. A snowmobile according to claim 13, wherein the lower arm
assembly comprises: two lower arm brackets each having a first end
and a second end, the first ends being connected to a transverse
tube, which forms the lower end of the lower arm assembly.
16. A snowmobile according to claim 15, wherein the lower end of
the shock absorber is pivotally mounted to the an extension bracket
which is fixedly connected to lower end of the suspension arm.
17. A snowmobile according to claim 15, wherein the lower end of
the suspension arm comprises a transverse tube pivotally mounted to
a transverse shaft, the transverse shaft being connected to the
lower end of the lower arm.
18. A snowmobile according to claim 15, wherein the upper end of
the lower arm assembly is pivotally mounted to a second transverse
shaft that is fixedly connected at each end to the slide frame.
19. A snowmobile according to claim 13, further comprising: a first
pair of extension brackets each having first and second ends,
wherein the first ends are fixedly connected to the frame element
and the second ends are pivotally connected to the upper end of the
suspension arm.
20. A snowmobile according to claim 13, wherein the upper end of
the suspension arm comprises a transverse upper tube and the lower
end of the suspension arm comprises a transverse lower tube, the
transverse upper tube being connected to the transverse lower tube
by at least one connecting beam.
21. A snowmobile according to claim 20, wherein the at least one
connecting beam comprises two metal bars.
22. A snowmobile according to claim 20, wherein the at least one
connecting beam comprises two metal tubes.
23. A snowmobile according to claim 19, wherein transverse upper
tube of the suspension arm is pivotally mounted to a second
transverse shaft which is attached at each end to the second ends
of the first pair of extension brackets.
24. A snowmobile according to claim 13, further comprising: a
second pair of extension brackets each having first and second
ends, wherein the first ends are fixedly connected to the frame
element, the upper end of the shock absorber being pivotally
connected to the second ends.
Description
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application of Vaisanen, filed Sep. 21, 2000, Ser. No. 60/234,218,
the entirety of which is hereby incorporated into the present
application by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to snowmobiles, and more particularly
to the rear suspension of a snowmobile suspension systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Tracked vehicles such as snowmobiles have rear suspensions
generally consisting of front and rear suspension arms pivotally
mounted on shafts, which are rotatably connected to a slide frame.
The slide frame comprises a pair of laterally spaced apart slide
rails or longitudinal skids interconnected transversely on opposing
lateral sides of the snowmobile. The slide rails are in sliding
contact with an endless track which contacts the snow surface and
drives the snowmobile. The front and rear suspension aims pivotally
interconnect the chassis of the snowmobile to the slide frame.
[0004] As is well known, snowmobiles travel over a wide range of
terrain. It is not uncommon for a snowmobile to encounter
unexpected and abrupt changes in that terrain. The suspension
system must offer sufficient stiffness to absorb and dissipate the
forces and energy associated with these abrupt terrain changes.
Additionally, aggressive riding of the snowmobile, such as becoming
airborne, may require an even greater stiffness and improved. shock
performance. To provide adequate stiffness for extreme terrain
conditions and aggressive riding, while at the same time providing
a smooth ride when travelling over relatively smooth surfaces, it
is particularly desirable to provide a suspension system that
affords a fairly large degree of suspension "travel." Suspension
"travel" refers to the vertical distance through which the
suspension collapses upon application of a force from terrain
conditions or aggressive riding. Due to the space limitations, it
has been difficult to provide a suspension system that provides a
wide degree of suspension travel with adequate stiffness throughout
the entire range of travel.
[0005] When shock absorbers are included in the suspension in
simple fashion without extra linkages, as is common practice in the
prior art, the shock absorbers produce what is known in the
industry as a "falling rate," referring to the fact that the speed
of the shock absorbers decreases, or decelerates, during
compression of the suspension. This occurs because, in the
conventional system, as the slide frame moves toward the snowmobile
chassis, i.e., the shock collapses, the displacement of the shock
relative to the slide frame decreases. The falling rate is
quantified by the ratio of the displacement of the shock to the
displacement of the slide frame, which is referred to as the
"motion-ratio." A smaller displacement of the shock in the same
period of time (i.e., a low motion-ratio) translates into a slower
shock "absorber speed." Because the damping force in a shock
absorber is directly proportional to the velocity of the shock
absorber piston, as the shock absorber speed decreases, the damping
force, or reaction force of the shock, also decreases. This falling
rate geometry has been looked upon somewhat disfavorably in the
prior art because, in a typical prior art suspension having a
maximum of 7 inches of travel or less (between the suspension arms
and the slide rails), there is a tendency for the suspension to
"bottom out" more easily. In other words, the suspension arms come
into contact with the slide rails.
[0006] One design approach used to alleviate the tendency of a
shock absorber to bottom out is to provide a suspension system with
a shock absorber having a progressive dampening effect, such as
that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,834, which is incorporated in
its entirety herein by reference. A progressive dampening effect is
achieved by progressively decreasing the flow area through which
the by-pass fluid is routed during the stroke of the piston within
the shock absorber. In the '834 patent, a helical, tapered passage
is formed along the side of the interior wall of the shock absorber
cylinder so that when the shock absorber is compressed or extended,
the area of the passage decreases, resulting in increased by-pass
flow restriction. This, in turn, forces more fluid to travel
through the normal valving mechanism, thus providing a progressive
dampening effect that helps prevent bottoming-out of the
suspension.
[0007] Another design approach to prevent bottoming-out is to
provide a shock absorber system that contains a progressive rate
(i.e., a "rising rate" design). In a progressive rate system, the
speed of the shock absorber increases as the suspension system
collapses and, therefore, the force required for successive
increments of compression increases. Progressive rate suspension
systems are usually found in racing-type snowmobiles with
complicated linkage arrangements that manipulate the shock absorber
travel into progressively faster shock speed during suspension
travel. Such systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,727,643 and
4,462,480. However, with conventional snowmobile suspensions, it
has been difficult to incorporate an arrangement that provides a
progressive spring rate without the use of complex linkages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Therefore, a need has developed for a snowmobile suspension
system with a reduced falling rate (i.e., a substantially constant
motion-ratio), without the use of complex linkages, that provides
adequate stiffness for both extreme and smooth terrain
conditions.
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a snowmobile
suspension that includes a slide frame for engagement with an
endless track, a frame element that connects to a chassis on the
snowmobile, a suspension arm, a lower arm assembly, and a shock
absorber. The lower arm assembly has a lower end and an upper end,
with the upper end pivotally mounted relative to the slide frame.
The suspension arm has an upper end pivotally mounted relative to
the frame element and a lower end pivotally mounted to the lower
end of the lower arm assembly. The shock absorber has an upper end
pivotally mounted relative to the frame element and a lower end
pivotally mounted to the lower end of the lower arm assembly. The
upper end of the suspension arm is positioned forward of and below
the upper end of the shock absorber and pivots independently of the
upper end of the shock absorber. The upper end of rear shock
absorber is positioned adjacent the frame element and the lower end
of the shock absorber is positioned adjacent the slide frame. The
mounting positions defined by (i) the upper end of the suspension
arm, (ii) the upper end of the shock absorber, (iii) the lower end
of the suspension arm, and (iv) the lower end of the shock absorber
cooperate to provide a substantially constant motion-ratio as the
slide frame collapses toward the frame element.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be realized in accordance with the following detailed description,
appended drawings, and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] The present invention is further described in the detailed
description which follows, by reference to the noted drawings by
way of non-limiting exemplary embodiments, in which like reference
numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of
the drawings, and wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art snowmobile
suspension system;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic of an overall view of a snowmobile
together with the suspension system of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the snowmobile suspension system of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the
snowmobile suspension system of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a kinematic diagram of the preferred embodiment of
the snowmobile suspension system of the present invention, shown in
the fully extended position;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of a kinematic diagram of the
preferred embodiment of the snowmobile suspension system of the
present invention, which is shown in a two inch collapsed
position;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a side view of a kinematic diagram of the
preferred embodiment of the snowmobile suspension system of the
present invention, which is shown in a four inch collapsed
position;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side view of a kinematic diagram of the
preferred embodiment of the snowmobile suspension system of the
present invention, which is shown in a six inch collapsed
position;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side view of a kinematic diagram of the
preferred embodiment of the snowmobile suspension system of the
present invention, which is shown in an eight inch collapsed
position;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side view of a kinematic diagram of the
preferred embodiment of the snowmobile suspension system of the
present invention, which is shown in a fully collapsed position;
and
[0022] FIG. 11 is a graph of motion ratio vs. suspension stroke,
comparing the suspension system of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention with the prior art suspension system shown in
FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] While the present invention will hereinafter be described in
connection with at least one exemplary embodiment thereof, it
should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention
to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all
alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a suspension S
typically found in the prior art. Suspension S includes two slide
rails SR connected to the chassis of the snowmobile (not shown) by
shock absorbers SA and connecting arms CA. Shock absorbers SA
cushion the movement of suspension S when suspension S encounters
rough terrain or is subjected to aggressive riding conditions.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of a snowmobile
10 of the present invention is generally shown having a forward end
13 and a rearward end 15 (that are defined consistently with the
travel direction of the vehicle). Snowmobile 10 includes a body 17
(i.e., the exterior upper portions) and a chassis 12. While not
shown in FIG. 2, an engine is carried by the chassis 12 at its
forward end. In addition, two skis 11 are attached to the forward
end of the chassis 12 through a front suspension 19. A drive track
16 of a rear suspension, generally indicated by reference numeral
18, is disposed under the chassis 12 and is connected operatively
to the engine for propulsion of the vehicle. As is shown more
clearly in FIGS. 3 and 4, rear track support wheels 24 are
supported on the slide rails 28 of a slide frame 20 by an axle
shaft 32.
[0026] At the front of the chassis 12, snowmobile 10 includes
fairings 25 that enclose the engine to protect it and to provide an
external shell that can be decorated so that the snowmobile is
aesthetically pleasing. Typically the fairings 25 comprise a hood
and a bottom pad (neither of which have been individually
identified in the Figures). A windshield 26 may be connected to the
fairings 25 near the forward end 13 of the snowmobile 10. The
windshield 26 acts as a windscreen to lessen the force of the air
on a rider when the snowmobile 10 is moving.
[0027] A seat 14 extends from rearward end 15 of snowmobile 10 to
the fairings 25. A steering device 27, such as a handlebar, is
positioned forward of the rider and behind the engine. Two
footrests (not shown) are positioned on either side of seat 14 to
accommodate the rider's feet.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the rear suspension system of
the snowmobile 10 comprises a slide frame 20 that is connected to
the chassis 12 through the front and rear suspension assemblies
generally indicated as 29 and 49, respectively. Each of the front
and rear suspension assemblies 29, 49 comprises, among other
things, front and rear suspension arms 30 and 50, respectively, and
front and rear shock absorbers 60 and 65, respectively. The rear
suspension assembly 49 and its configuration, which will be
described in detail below, represent an aspect of the present
invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the front and rear
shock absorbers 60, 65 are preferably of the coil-over
piston-damper type. The helical springs within these shock
absorbers act as biasing elements that urge the slide frame away
from the chassis 12. While coil-over piston-damper shock absorbers
are preferred, other types of shock absorbers can alternatively be
used, such as piston-dampers in conjunction with torsion springs as
the biasing element.
[0029] The slide frame 20 comprises two longitudinally extending
transversely spaced apart slide rails 28 that are transversely
interconnected by suitable cross-structures to form a generally
rigid structure. The lower surfaces of the slide rails 28 are
coated in a known manner with a suitable low friction material such
as nylon, Teflon.RTM., and preferably an UHMW (ultra high molecular
weight polymer), for sliding contact with the track belt.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, front and rear suspension arms 30 and
50, respectively, connect the slide rails 28 with the chassis 12.
The front suspension arm 30 is a trapezoidally-shaped structure
that includes an upper tube portion 34 and a lower tube portion 33
that are connected by two tubes or bars 31 and 32. In an exemplary
embodiment, the components are all welded together to form an
integral structure, i.e., the front suspension arm 30. The upper
tube portion 34 of the front suspension arm 30 is pivotally mounted
on a first transverse shaft (not shown) that is fixedly or
pivotally attached to the chassis 12 by means of bolts 35.
Likewise, the lower tube portion 33 of the front suspension arm 30
is pivotally mounted on a second transverse shaft (not shown) that
is fixedly attached to the respective slide rails 28 by bolts 35.
Therefore, as the slide frame 20 displaces vertically, the front
suspension arm 30 is able to pivot about the first transverse shaft
relative to the chassis 12 and simultaneously pivot about the
second transverse shaft relative to the slide frame 20.
[0031] A front shock absorber 60 extends from the upper tube
portion 34 of the front suspension arm 30 downwardly and rearwardly
to be pivotally connected to a lower shaft (not shown) that is
fixedly attached to slide rails 28 by bolts 23, as shown in FIG. 3.
Two tubes 22 are mounted on the lower shaft to center the front
shock absorber 60 on the lower shaft. The upper end of the front
shock absorber 60 is pivotally attached to a bracket arm 42 by a
bolt 62, and the bracket arm 42, in turn, is fixedly connected to
the upper tube portion 34 of front suspension arm 30.
[0032] The rear suspension assembly 49 and its attachment to the
chassis 12 and slide frame 20 represent an aspect of the present
invention. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, an aspect of
the present invention is the location of and connection to the
chassis 12 and the slide frame 20 of the rear suspension arm 50 and
rear shock absorber 65, which will now be described.
[0033] The rear suspension assembly 49 includes, among other
things, a rear suspension arm 50, a shock absorber 65, a transverse
cross bar 74 (also referred to as a frame element 74), and a lower
arm assembly 92. The rear suspension arm 50 is a
trapezoidally-shaped structure that includes a transverse rear
upper tube portion 53 and a transverse rear lower tube portion 54
that are connected by two tubes or bars, 51 and 52. In an exemplary
embodiment, the components of the rear suspension arm 50 are all
welded together to form an integral structure.
[0034] The connection of the rear suspension arm 50 and the rear
shock absorber 65 to the chassis 12 and slide frame 20 will now be
described. As shown in FIG. 3, the rear suspension arm 50 is
interconnected to the chassis 12 by two extension brackets 72 and a
transverse cross bar 74, the cross bar 74 being fixedly attached to
the chassis 12. The transverse cross bar 74 can have any
cross-sectional shape, such as rectangular or circular, as shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5, and has a central axis 73. In an exemplary
embodiment, flanges 75 are welded at both ends of the cross bar 74,
and the flanges 75 are, in turn, bolted or otherwise fixedly
attached to the chassis 12. The extension brackets 72 are fixedly
attached, preferably by welding, to the cross bar 74 at
intermediate portions thereof. The distal end of each of the
extension brackets 72 is positioned forward and downward from the
axis 73 of the cross bar 74, as seen in FIG. 4. The upper tube
portion 53 of the rear suspension arm 50 is pivotally mounted on a
fourth transverse shaft (not shown) that is fixedly attached to the
extension brackets 72 adjacent their respective distal ends by
means of bolts 80, thus defining a pivot point for the rear
suspension arm 50. Therefore, the rear suspension arm 50 is able to
rotate with respect to the extension brackets 72, the cross bar 74,
and the chassis 12 by pivoting about the fourth transverse shaft,
the mounted position of which is defined by bolts 80.
[0035] The lower arm assembly 92 comprises two lower arm brackets
94 and 96 having a first end (upper) and a second end (lower), the
first end of each bracket 94, 96 being fixedly connected to a
transverse tube 98. The tube 98 of the lower arm assembly 92 is
pivotally mounted to a fifth transverse shaft (not shown) that is
fixedly connected to the slide rails 28 by means of bolts 100. A
free-floating transverse shaft 91 (shown by dashed line) is fixedly
attached at each of the second ends of the lower arm brackets 94,
96 by bolts 90. This free-floating transverse shaft 91 pivotally
supports the lower tube portion 54 of the rear suspension arm 50.
That is, the rear suspension arm 50 and the lower arm assembly 92
are pivotally connected to each other at the lower tube portion 54
of the rear suspension arm 50, thus establishing the connection
between the slide frame 20 and the rear suspension arm 50. The
lower tube portion 54 of the rear suspension arm pivots around the
free-floating transverse shaft 91, which is fixedly attached to the
second (lower) ends of the lower arm brackets 94, 96 by means of
bolts 90. The free-floating shaft 91 is not attached to the slide
frame 20, but is rather attached to the lower arm assembly 92 via
the lower arm brackets 94, 96. Therefore, the lower arm assembly 92
is able to rotate relative to the slide frame 20 by pivoting about
the fifth transverse shaft, the mounted position of which is
defined by bolts 100. In turn, the lower tube portion 54 of rear
suspension arm 50 pivots about the free-floating transverse shaft
91 and translates as the lower arm assembly 92 rotates.
[0036] Rear shock absorber 65 extends from the transverse cross bar
74 downwardly and rearwardly to pivotally attach to the lower tube
portion 54 of the rear suspension arm 50. The upper end of the rear
shock 65 is pivotally mounted between a second pair of extension
brackets 76 by bolt 70. The extension brackets 76, in turn, are
fixedly connected, preferably by welding, to the cross bar 74 at an
intermediate location thereon. The lower end of the rear shock
absorber 65 is pivotally mounted to a bracket arm 77 by bolt 85,
the bracket arms 77 in turn are fixedly connected to the lower tube
portion 54 of the rear suspension arm 50, which, in turn, is
pivotally mounted to the lower arm assembly 92, as discussed
above.
[0037] The longitudinal and vertical distances between the pivot
point 80 (the mounted location of the upper end of suspension arm
50) and pivot point 70 (the mounted location of the upper end of
the rear shock absorber 65) are designated as "D1" and "D2",
respectively. Although not intended to be limiting, in an exemplary
embodiment, D1 is approximately 4.4 inches. However, the distance
D1 may be within the range of 1.0 and 8 inches. In an exemplary
embodiment, D2 is approximately 4.0 inches. However, the distance
D2 may be within the range of 1.0 and 10 inches.
[0038] By the above configuration, as the slide frame 20 displaces
vertically, the rear suspension arm 50 is able to rotate with
respect to the chassis 12 by pivoting about the fourth transverse
shaft, the position of which is defined by the bolts 80, and by
pivoting about the free-floating transverse shaft 91 that is
fixedly connected to the lower arm assembly 92, the position of
which is defined by the bolts 90. Simultaneously, as the slide
frame 20 displaces vertically, the lower arm assembly 92 is able to
rotate relative to the slide frame 20 by pivoting about the fifth
transverse shaft that is fixedly connected to the slide rail 20,
the position of which is defined by the bolts 100.
[0039] To illustrate the above, the displacement of the rear
suspension system 18, i.e., the front and rear suspension
assemblies 29, 49, from the fully extended position to the fully
collapsed position are depicted in FIGS. 5-10. FIG. 5 shows the
rear suspension system 18 in the fully extended position. FIGS.
6-10 show the rear suspension system 18 in various collapsed
positions of 2 inches, 4 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches, and fully
collapsed, respectively.
[0040] As noted above, an aspect of the present invention is the
location of and connection to the chassis 12 and the slide frame 20
of the rear suspension arm 50 and the rear shock absorber 65,
respectively. Specifically, the upper end of the rear shock
absorber 65, defined by bolt 70, is positioned as high as possible
from the slide rails 28, while the lower end of the rear shock 65,
defined by bolt 85, is positioned as low as possible on suspension
arm 50. Additionally, the upper end of the rear suspension arm 50,
defined by bolts 80, is connected to the chassis 12 at a
significantly lower point relative to the upper end of rear shock
65 (at bolt 70) than that seen in the prior art, which is
accomplished by the use of the downwardly and forwardly-extending
extension brackets 72 relative to the axis 73 of the cross bar 74.
That is, the pivot point, represented by the bolts 80, of the rear
suspension arm 50 is lower and slightly forward of the axis of the
cross bar 74. Conversely, the upper end of the shock absorber 65
(at bolt 70) is positioned rearward and slightly above the cross
bar 74, which is facilitated by the second pair of extension
brackets 76. Furthermore, the lower end of the rear suspension arm
50, defined by bolt 90, is interconnected to the slide rails 28 by
the lower end (second end) of lower arm assembly 92 via the
free-floating, transverse shaft 91. The above described attachment
points of the upper and lower end of the rear suspension arm 50 and
the upper and lower end of the rear shock absorber 65, are defined
by the bolts 80, 90, 70, and 85, respectively, combined with the
lower arm assembly 92. Together, they cooperate to provide a
suspension system 18 with a substantially flat motion-ratio curve
over the entire compression cycle.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a graph of motion-ratio v. suspension stroke
(ss). Motion-ratio is defined as a deflection of the piston within
the shock absorber (Dsa) (i.e., the shock absorber deflection)
divided by deflection of the slide rail (Dsr). The suspension
stroke is a measure, in inches, of how much the suspension system
has collapsed, i.e., it is essentially the deflection of the slide
rail (Dsr). Curve 200 is actual data of the rear suspension system
18 of the illustrated embodiment, and curve 210 is actual data of
the prior art suspension system shown in FIG. 1. As seen from the
graph in FIG. 11, the motion-ratio curve 200 remains relatively
constant throughout the suspension stroke, while the prior art
motion-ratio curve 210 changes considerably throughout the
suspension stroke. To understand the benefits of a relatively
constant motion-ratio curve, the prior art curve is first
discussed.
[0042] Referring to the prior art curve 210, the suspension system
has a high motion-ratio (approximately equal to 0.7) when the
suspension system is in the extended position. This indicates that,
as the slide rails move upward toward the chassis, the shock
absorber compresses seven tenths of that of the slide rail in the
same period of time, yielding a high motion-ratio. Because the
stiffness of the shock is proportional to the speed at which it
compresses, where the shock absorber speed is high, the shock
absorber in the extended position is relatively stiff. As the
suspension system collapses, the motion-ratio reduces dramatically.
This indicates that as the slide rail continues to collapse, i.e.,
displace towards the chassis, the shock absorber displaces
significantly less than the slide rail in the same period of time.
Thus, since the speed of the shock absorber decreases, the shock
absorber becomes less stiff as the suspension system collapses.
This phenomenon is referred to as the "falling rate," referring to
the fact that the speed of the shock absorbers decreases, or
decelerates, during compression of the suspension, and the falling
rate of a suspension system is quantified by motion-ratio
curve.
[0043] As seen from FIG. 11, the falling rate (i.e., the slope) of
the suspension system of the preferred embodiment (curve 200) is
significantly reduced from that of the prior art suspension system
of FIG. 1. That is, the motion-ratio of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention is substantially constant over the entire
suspension stroke, while in the prior art, the motion-ratio varies
significantly over the suspension stroke.
[0044] In order to prevent "bottoming-out" of the shock as the
prior art suspension system approaches the collapsed position, a
stiff shock absorber must be selected (i.e., a shock with a high
damping coefficient). A stiff shock will compensate for the slower
shock absorber speed as the suspension system approaches the
collapsed position. However, this stiff shock compromises the
suspension system when the shock is extended because, there, the
motion-ratio is high, and a shock absorber with a high damping
coefficient is not necessary. Thus, the suspension system becomes
extremely stiff when the suspension system is in the fully extended
position. Therefore, the prior art requires a compromise at either
end of the suspension stroke in the selection of a shock absorber.
That is, if a manufacturer selects a shock absorber with a low
damping coefficient, i.e., a shock with low stiffness, which is
preferable when the suspension system is in the fully extended
position, the shock absorber will likely bottom-out when the
suspension system nears the collapsed position because, there, a
stiffer shock is required. If a manufacturer selects a shock
absorber with a high damping coefficient in order to prevent
bottoming out in the collapsed position, the suspension system
toward the fully extended position will be overly stiff.
[0045] With the suspension system of the illustrated embodiment,
because the motion-ratio is relatively constant over the range of
the suspension stroke, a selected shock absorber will provide
better damping over the suspension stroke without having to make a
compromise in the suspension performance at either end of the
suspension stroke. That is, a shock absorber selected with a
damping coefficient to prevent bottoming out in the collapsed
position will not cause the suspension system to be overly stiff
when in the fully extended position because the motion-ratio, and
thus the speed of the shock absorber, remains relatively constant
over the suspension stroke.
[0046] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments and elements, but, to the
contrary, is intended to cover various modifications, combinations
of features, equivalent arrangements, and equivalent elements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *