Scooter - Single Side Trailing Link

This Suspension contains a Single Swing Arm which contains two pivot points each connected to the Wheel, Damper, Steering Link, and Spring respectively. The wheel is suspended behind the pivot point through a link. Since the link leads the pivot point in this case, it is called a Trailing Link suspension.


Figure 1. Single Side Trailing Link Suspension with Steering

Model Use

The Single Side Trailing Link Suspension system can be used in front half vehicle or full vehicle models of a two wheeler. The default geometry and mass approximate that of a two wheeler scooter, but the model and data can be revised to reflect any size two wheeler.
Note:
  • The wheel body represents the mass and inertia of the tire and the rim.
  • The wheel hub body represents the mass and inertia of other rotating bodies such as a brake rotor. The wheel hub and brake rotor have no associated graphics.
  • The wheel and wheel hub parts use the Wheel center location as the center of gravity.

The image below shows the Project browser view of the systems on a fully populated front suspension model. The Single Side Trailing Link Suspension system has two “child” systems.



Figure 2. Browser View of Single Side Trailing Link Suspension

Points

Points locate the joints and bushings that connect the suspension bodies to one another. The image below shows the principal points for the Single Side Trailing Link Suspension.


Figure 3. Right Side Principal Points – Single Side Trailing Link Suspension
Note: The image above omits the left side of the suspension, points locating body centers of mass, and points that locate the optional subsystems (springs, dampers, bump stops and stabilizer bar) for clarity.

Bodies

The Single Side Trailing Link Suspension is comprised of the bodies shown in the image below:


Figure 4. Right Side Bodies – Single Side Trailing Link Suspension

Bushings and Joints

The table below describes the bodies, bushings, and joints for a Single Side Trailing Link Suspension:
Label Type Body 1 Body 2 Point Notes
Steering Swingarm Attachment Joint Revolute Swing Arm Steering Column Swingarm steering Att Point  
Swingarm Spindle Att Joint Fixed Spindle Swing Arm Front Wheel CG  
Spindle to Wheel Revolute Front Wheel Spindle Front Wheel CG  
Steering REV Joint Revolute Handle Frame Steering Axis Top  
Handle Fixed Handle Steering Column Steering Axis Top  
The following image shows the location of the joints and bushings in the suspension:


Figure 5. Bushing and Joints - Single Side Trailing Link Suspension