Dual-Rate Leaf Spring Pivot for Stable Vehicle Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs lack an effective mechanism to stabilize the vehicle during cornering, particularly in tilting configurations, where the inside wheel tends to lift off the ground, leading to instability and potential loss of control.
Innovation Solution
A leaf spring system with a dual-rate resistance mechanism is integrated, where the resistance to tilting increases as the angle of tilt increases, utilizing a combination of leaf springs and stops to provide initial and secondary resistance, ensuring the inside wheel remains grounded and limiting the maximum tilt angle to enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle allows free tilting during cornering, then the rider can lean naturally like on a bicycle, but the inside wheel lifts off the ground causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system changes the resistance parameter dynamically based on tilt angle. At small angles, resistance is low allowing natural leaning. At larger angles, resistance increases rapidly to prevent excessive tilting and maintain stability. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting the resistance level to the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static resistance mechanism to a dynamic one where the spring progressively engages as tilt angle increases. The movable stop allows the spring to gradually take up load, creating a dynamic response that accommodates initial leaning while preventing excessive tilt.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a spring system provides high resistance to tilting, then the inside wheel remains grounded and stability is maintained, but the rider cannot lean naturally into corners
Solution Approach 1:
The spring system's resistance parameter is not fixed but changes with tilt angle. Initially, the spring is slack or lightly engaged providing minimal resistance. As tilt angle increases, the spring progressively engages and resistance increases. This creates a soft initial response for natural leaning that transitions to firm resistance for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring system acts as a cushioning element that gradually engages to prevent sudden or excessive tilting. The progressive engagement provides a smooth transition from free leaning to restrained stability, cushioning the transition and preventing harsh responses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spring system allows large tilt angles, then the rider has freedom of movement, but the vehicle becomes unstable and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring's resistance parameter changes with displacement, providing low resistance at small angles for adaptability and high resistance at large angles for safety. The non-linear spring characteristic naturally limits maximum tilt angle while allowing sufficient range for normal cornering operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring system provides preliminary counter-action before excessive tilting occurs. As the tilt angle increases toward dangerous levels, the spring progressively engages to oppose the tilting motion, preventing the vehicle from reaching unstable configurations.
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
The system provides a natural feel during cornering by initially allowing low resistance, then increasing pressure on the inside wheel to maintain contact and limit tilt speed and torque, thereby enhancing safety and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring system to resist tilting of the tilting part with respect to the second part
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a spring system comprising a spring section 22 and a stop section 20, the spring section 22 and stop section 20 being arranged to pivot with respect to each other. The spring section 22 carries a first leaf spring 240 and the stop section 20 carries two first stops 212, 218. One of the spring section 22 and stop section 20 carries a second leaf spring 242 and the other carries two second stops 214, 216, so that when the stop section 20 is pivoted with respect to the spring section 22 in one direction, the first leaf spring 240 engages with one first stop 212 and resists the pivoting movement, and after a certain angle of pivoting the second leaf spring 242 engages with a second stop 216 and resists the pivoting movement, and correspondingly when the stop section 20 is pivoted with respect to the spring section 22 in the opposite direction, the second leaf spring 242 engages with the other second stop 214 and resists the pivoting movement, and after a certain angle of pivoting the first leaf spring 240 engages with the other first stop 218 and resists the pivoting movement.