Front Suspension Head Pipe Rigidity via Vertical Arm Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional front two-wheel saddle-ride-type swing vehicles face issues with the large sizing of the head pipe periphery and the need for increased rigidity of the upper and lower arms, which complicates the link mechanism and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle design includes a head pipe with upper and lower connecting portions on the main frame, where the upper arm is supported above the upper connecting portion and the lower arm is supported between the upper and lower connecting portions, allowing for increased rigidity and reduced space requirements, with the lower arm divided into left and right arm bodies for easier assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the upper arm and lower arm are supported on the head pipe in a conventional manner, then the link mechanism can be implemented, but the periphery of the head pipe becomes large-sized and the support rigidity of the arms is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport rigidityVSAvoidhead pipe periphery size
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from conventional lateral support of arms on the head pipe to vertical support using upper and lower connecting portions. By utilizing the vertical dimension along the head pipe axis, the arms are positioned at different heights (upper arm above the upper connecting portion, lower arm between upper and lower connecting portions), which enhances support rigidity without expanding the lateral periphery of the head pipe.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the upper arm and lower arm are supported on the head pipe, then the front wheel suspension can be implemented, but it is necessary to secure an arm swing space which increases the overall vehicle size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension functionalityVSAvoidvehicle size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By supporting the upper and lower arms at different vertical positions on the head pipe, the invention enables the arms to swing in a compact vertical arc rather than requiring extensive lateral space. This vertical arrangement of support points allows the suspension mechanism to function within a smaller overall vehicle envelope, making it suitable for miniaturized vehicles like scooters.

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

3Strength

If the lower arm is supported closer to the lower connecting portion, then the rigidity of the front wheel suspension device is increased, but the space for arm swing is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension rigidityVSAvoidarm swing space
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the support position of the lower arm by placing it closer to the lower connecting portion rather than at the intermediate position. This localized positioning enhances the rigidity of the front wheel suspension device by reducing the moment arm and improving structural stability, while the vertical spacing between upper and lower connecting portions ensures sufficient swing space is maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2998209B1Front two-wheel saddle-ride-type swing vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.03.20 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2998209B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2998209B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2998209B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a front two-wheel saddle-ride-type swing vehicle where an upper arm and a lower arm are supported on a head pipe, wherein large-sizing of the periphery of the head pipe is suppressed, and supporting rigidity of the upper arm and the lower arm is enhanced. An upper connecting portion (16) and a lower connecting portion (17) connected to a head pipe (12) in a vertically spaced-apart manner from each other are provided at a connecting end portion of a main frame (13) to the head pipe (12), an upper arm (24A) is supported on a portion of the head pipe (12) above the upper connecting portion (16), and a lower arm (26A) is supported on the head pipe (12) between the upper and lower connecting potions 16, (17).