Forward Extended Fork Legs for Rider Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fork leg arrangements in riding vehicles, such as bicycles, do not provide sufficient clearance for a rider's lower body, particularly in competitive racing scenarios where greater knee and leg room is required, especially when crouching.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with dual forward extended fork legs that include a steering column, first and second fork legs extending along both sides of the column, and top fork portions that extend upwardly and forwardly to support a steering handle bar, with lower and upper crowns having angled bores to stabilize and position the fork legs in a non-converging manner, providing increased vertical and horizontal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional fork leg arrangements are used, then the steering structure is simple and compact, but the clearance for rider's knees and legs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fork legs are extended forward in the horizontal dimension rather than only vertically, creating additional space in the forward direction. The top fork portions extend 1 to 12 inches forward of the steering column axis, providing clearance for the rider's lower body without increasing vertical height or overall structural complexity
2Area of stationary object
If fork legs are extended forward to provide clearance, then rider's leg room is improved, but the positioning and stability of the steering handle bar becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fork leg structure is divided into distinct segments: the lower fork portion, the bent section, and the top fork portion. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the bent section provides the forward extension for clearance while the top fork portions maintain proper positioning for handle bar attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The bent section of the fork leg acts as an intermediary element between the lower fork portion and the top fork portion. This intermediate bent section enables the top fork portions to extend forward while maintaining structural integrity and proper positioning for the steering handle bar
3Area of stationary object
If the top fork portions extend forward, then clearance for crouching position is improved, but the manufacturing complexity of the fork legs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fork legs incorporate bent sections with smooth curvatures rather than sharp angles or complex geometries. This curved design provides the necessary forward extension for clearance while maintaining manufacturability through standard bending and forming processes
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A steering apparatus with forward extended fork legs includes left and right fork legs that extend from a wheel axle all the way up to a handlebar. Top fork portions support a handlebar in a more forward location. A mid-fork portion of each fork leg is positioned in front of the steering column to provide more clearance room for the rider's knees, e top ends of the fork legs are positioned a forward distance in front of the vertical axis defined by the steering column. Each fork leg may be tilted forward with respect to the steering column and may also include a forward bend to direct portions of each fork leg towards the front.