Lean Vehicle Link Mechanism Nesting for Compact Front Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with a body frame that leans and two front wheels tend to have a large front portion due to the configuration of the link mechanism, which restricts the enlargement of the vehicle space.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle incorporates a link mechanism with a through portion that does not overlap the cross portion when it turns, allowing the vehicle component to be supported within this space, thereby preventing the enlargement of the front portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the link mechanism is disposed above the right front wheel and the left front wheel, then the vehicle can be steered with two front wheels, but the space defined in a left-to-right direction of the vehicle is restricted from enlargement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the link mechanism from a horizontal arrangement (above the wheels) to a vertical arrangement (between the wheels in the up-down direction). This dimensional change allows the mechanism to occupy space in the vertical dimension rather than the horizontal dimension, thereby freeing up horizontal space while maintaining steering functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the body frame leans with respect to a vertical direction, then the vehicle can turn, but the right front wheel and the left front wheel are displaced largely relative to the body frame, increasing the size of external vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic link mechanism that moves with the body frame during leaning. The link mechanism is configured to allow relative movement between the wheels and body frame, with the mechanism adapting its position as the vehicle leans, thereby accommodating wheel displacement without requiring oversized external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism is positioned within the space between the right and left front wheels, nesting the mechanism within the existing vehicle structure rather than adding external components. This nested arrangement allows the mechanism to move with the wheels during leaning without increasing the overall vehicle footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle components such as a headlamp, turn signal lamps, a front cover, a radiator are disposed at the front portion of the vehicle, then the vehicle can function properly, but the front portion of the vehicle is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables steering by connecting the wheels to the body frame, accommodates wheel displacement during leaning, and provides structural support for mounting vehicle components. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated mounting structures, preventing front portion enlargement.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a vehicle, the size of which can be prevented from increasing even when vehicle components are mounted thereto. The vehicle comprises: a vehicle body frame (21); a left front wheel (31) and a right front wheel (32); a link mechanism (5) capable of changing shape in accordance with tilting of the vehicle body; and vehicle components (81, 82, 221, 222) arranged on the vehicle front side of the link mechanism (5). The vehicle components (81, 82, 221, 222) are supported by the vehicle body frame (21) via through-sections (211 a, 211 b) that extend forward from the vehicle body frame (21) and penetrate the link mechanism (5).