Scooter - Single Side Trailing Link

As the name suggests, the trailing arm is pivoted to the steering column at one side. Spring and dampers are mounted between the trailing arm and the steering column with a fore and aft arrangement. The wheel is mounted at the rear end of the trailing arm.



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: Suspension is located on the right side of the front wheel.

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

Joints

The table below describes the 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 in the suspension:


Figure 5. Joints - Single Side Trailing Link Suspension