Handlebar Alignment Device Using Cross-Line Laser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handlebar alignment devices for two- and three-wheeled vehicles are inefficient due to reliance on point lasers, which can be inaccurate and require a free handlebar stem, making precise alignment difficult, especially with short stems or when obstructions like lamps are present.

Innovation Solution

A handlebar alignment device with a holding device and a cross-line laser, where the holding device has two brackets that engage behind the handlebars and a support element on the frame, allowing for precise alignment by adjusting the handlebars until the laser beam is centered on the front wheel, and the cross-line laser provides safer adjustments in various lighting conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a point laser is used for handlebar alignment, then the device can be simple in structure, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to inaccuracies in the point laser

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a point laser (zero-dimensional) to a line laser (one-dimensional), projecting a laser line instead of a point onto the front wheel. This dimensional change provides a longer reference length for alignment, improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a seat plate with cutouts is used for handlebar alignment, then the alignment can be performed, but the device cannot be used with short handlebar stems or when obstructions are present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different handlebar configurationsVSAvoidoperational availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the alignment function from the handlebar stem area and relocates it to the handlebar grip area. The laser projector is mounted on the handlebar grip, which is always accessible, eliminating the dependency on stem length and removing obstructions in the stem area from interfering with the alignment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a laser line as an intermediary reference element that bridges the handlebar position and the front wheel. This laser line serves as a mediator that allows alignment without requiring direct contact or mounting on the handlebar stem, enabling operation with short stems or obstructions present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the laser device protrudes forward to align with the front wheel, then alignment is possible, but the laser beam may hit the front wheel incorrectly or be blocked by obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidobstruction interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the laser projector specifically on the handlebar grip area rather than protruding from the stem. This localized positioning ensures the laser beam is projected from an optimal location that avoids obstructions while maintaining alignment accuracy with the front wheel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 quick, precise, and effort-free handlebar alignment relative to the front wheel, accommodating different handlebar stem lengths and obstructions, with improved accuracy and safety using a cross-line laser for better visibility.

Implementation Method 1

a laser holder fastened to the coupling piece, which holds the laser, wherein a support element for bearing against a frame of the two- or three-wheeled vehicle is arranged on an end of the laser holder opposite the laser

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP4394312A1Handlebar alignment device for a two- or three-wheeled vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 KARL A STEINEL GMBH
  • EP4394312A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4394312A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4394312A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a handlebar alignment device for a two- or three-wheeled vehicle comprising a holding device and a laser.In order to provide a handlebar alignment device for a two- or three-wheeled vehicle that enables simple and precise handlebar alignment relative to a front wheel of the two- or three-wheeled vehicle, regardless of the length of the handlebar stem, the invention provides that the holding device has two retaining brackets, the free ends of which each form a retaining end from which at least one retaining element projects, and the other ends of which are connected to each other by a form-fit, force-fit and/or material-fit connection or are formed integrally with a coupling piece of the handlebar alignment device, and the handlebar alignment device has a laser holder attached to the coupling piece, which holds the laser, wherein a support element for abutment against a frame of the two- or three-wheeled vehicle is arranged at an end of the laser holder opposite the laser.