Front Wheel Support Structure for Straddle-Type Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional front wheel supporting structures for straddle-type vehicles increase the rigidity and weight of the vehicle body due to the need for increased rigidity in link mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies in load distribution and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
A front wheel supporting structure with a front arm that extends rearward from the front axle, featuring pivotably connected upper and lower link members parallel to each other, and a front suspension mechanism that suppresses turning motion, allowing most of the load from the road surface to be absorbed as a compression load, reducing the rigidity and weight of the vehicle body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the link members extend long in the longitudinal direction to support the front wheel, then the front wheel can be supported, but the rigidity of the link mechanism must be increased and the weight of the front portion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism is divided into multiple segments: the front arm extending from the front axle, and the pair of upper and lower link members connecting the front arm to the vehicle body member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall weight while maintaining support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the link members extend forward from the vehicle body to support the front wheel, the front arm extends rearward from the front axle to connect with the link members. This inverted configuration reduces the required length and weight of the link members while achieving the same support function.
2Strength
If the rigidity of the link mechanism is increased to support the front wheel, then the front wheel can be supported, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front arm is designed with high rigidity to handle compression loads during braking, while the link members can have lower rigidity since they primarily transmit forces rather than承受 direct braking loads. This localized optimization of rigidity reduces overall weight while maintaining necessary structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The front arm is oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction, changing the parameter of its orientation. This angular configuration allows the front arm to efficiently bear compression loads from braking forces, reducing the need for excessive rigidity in other components and thereby reducing overall vehicle weight.
3Reliability
If the front arm is made rigid to handle braking loads, then durability is improved, but the front dive phenomenon increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front suspension mechanism is introduced to dynamically suppress the turning motion of the front arm during braking. This dynamic control allows the front arm to maintain sufficient rigidity for durability while preventing excessive front dive, as the suspension mechanism actively manages the arm's motion rather than relying solely on static rigidity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the link members are made longer to improve geometry, then the connection is improved, but the shape becomes complex and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the configuration so that the front arm extends rearward from the front axle rather than having link members extend forward from the body, the link members can be shorter and simpler in shape while maintaining geometric stability. The inverted arrangement naturally provides better geometric relationships with fewer material requirements.
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
This configuration reduces the vehicle's weight, enhances durability, minimizes the front dive phenomenon, and allows for simplified link member shapes, improved ride quality, and enhanced impact resistance by distributing loads effectively and reducing the need for high spring and damper forces.
Implementation Method 1
most of a load (reaction force from road surface) applied to the front wheel at the time of braking can be received by a compression load in a length direction of the front arm
Implementation Method 2
a pair of upper and lower link members which are turnably (pivotably) connected to two vertically separated portions of a rear end of the front arm
Data Source
AI summary
A front wheel supporting structure for a straddle-type vehicle includes a front arm which supports a front axle and which extends rearward from the front axle to a location behind a front wheel, and a pair of upper and lower link members which are turnably connected to two vertically separated portions of a rear end of a front arm. The link members extend rearward from the rear end of the front arm. Rear ends of the link members are turnably connected to a vehicle body-configuring member. The front wheel supporting structure includes a front suspension mechanism which suppresses turning motion of the front arm.