Differential Lean Mechanism for Adjustable Vehicle Inclination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with differential lean mechanisms are limited by a fixed maximum inclination angle, preventing flexible design specifications based on traveling speed.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a differential lean mechanism featuring a circular columnar shaft, differential lean link, annular cams, and a restriction unit that adjusts the maximum inclination angle through a movement mechanism and biasing unit, allowing for adjustable damping force and clearance control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a differential lean mechanism with a fixed maximum inclination angle is used, then the vehicle can stand by itself when stopped, but the maximum inclination angle cannot be adjusted according to traveling speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the maximum inclination angle adjustable rather than fixed. The movement mechanism allows the second cam portion to be repositioned along the circular columnar shaft, dynamically changing the clearance between cam portions and thus adjusting the maximum inclination angle according to different traveling speed requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the clearance between the first and second cam portions through repositioning the second cam portion. This changes the geometric parameter of the differential lean mechanism, enabling adjustment of the maximum inclination angle while maintaining the overall mechanism structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clearance in the fitting portion of the first cam portion and the second cam portion is reduced, then the maximum inclination angle is limited, but if the clearance is expanded, then the maximum inclination angle can be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The movement mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the second cam portion's position, allowing the clearance to be changed from fixed to variable. This resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable while maintaining reliability through controlled adjustment within designed limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction unit is pre-configured to limit the movement range of the second cam portion, ensuring that the clearance adjustment stays within safe and reliable boundaries. This preliminary constraint prevents excessive clearance that would compromise the stability of the cam fitting.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a vehicle capable of adjusting a maximum inclination angle at the time of leaning. A vehicle includes a saddle, a wheel, a handlebar, a frame 5, and a differential lean mechanism 6A. The differential lean mechanism 6A includes a differential lean link 62 turnably attached to a shaft 631 and having both ends connected to both wheels via swing arms 51, an annular first cam 632 turnably attached to the shaft 631 and turning integrally with the differential lean link 62, an annular second cam 633 non-rotatably attached to the shaft 631 and fitted in the first cam 632, a slider 634 that moves the position of the second cam 633 along the shaft 631, and a spring holder 635 that restricts movement of the second cam 633 in a direction away from the first cam 632. The first cam 632 and the second cam 633 are fitted by fitting corrugated surfaces corresponding to each other.