Saddled Vehicle Front Fork Stroke Adjustment Via Handlebar Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing saddled vehicles do not allow adjustment of the stroke amount of front forks via lever operation, limiting the ability to customize the vehicle's handling characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A saddled vehicle with a stroke adjuster mechanism connected to a lever on the steering handlebar, allowing adjustment and easy return of the front fork stroke amount via a cable and spring-biased engagement members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the damping force of front forks is adjusted by lever operation, then the operating characteristics can be customized, but the stroke amount cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The lever (60) is designed to control multiple functions: it can adjust both the damping force (via cable 56 connected to damping force adjuster 50) and the stroke amount (via cable 61 connected to stroke adjuster 70). This multi-functional design allows comprehensive customization of front fork characteristics through a single control interface, resolving the limitation where only damping force could be adjusted.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stroke amount is adjusted by lever operation, then the handling characteristics can be customized, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A cable (61) is introduced as an intermediary element to transmit the adjustment force from the lever (60) to the stroke adjuster (70). This cable mechanism simplifies the connection between the control interface and the adjustment mechanism, allowing stroke amount adjustment without requiring complex direct mechanical linkages between the lever and the front fork assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a cable-based control system. The cable (61) substitutes for rigid mechanical connections, allowing the lever (60) to control the stroke adjuster (70) through flexible tension transmission, thereby reducing overall mechanism complexity while maintaining adjustability.
3Ease of operation
If the engagement member is biased by a spring member, then the release mechanism operates easily, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member (75) provides self-service by automatically returning the engagement member (71) to its initial position after adjustment. When the lever (60) is operated to release the engagement, the spring member automatically pushes the engagement member back without requiring additional actuators or complex reset mechanisms, simplifying the overall release mechanism while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enables easy adjustment and return of the front fork stroke amount by operating the lever, enhancing the vehicle's handling capabilities and customization.
Implementation Method 1
the engagement member (71) is biased by a spring member (75) in the direction of returning to its initial position
Data Source
AI summary
A saddled vehicle including front forks and a steering handlebar that steers the front forks includes a stroke adjuster that adjusts the stroke amount of the front forks, a lever is attached to the steering handlebar, and the stroke adjuster is connected to the lever via a cable. The stroke adjuster includes a release mechanism that returns the stroke amount that has been adjusted by operating the lever to its initial state by operating the lever again.