Parallel-Link Leaning Front End With Integrated Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional leaning vehicles have a complex structure for leaning and steering, which complicates the mechanism and increases the number of component members and costs.
Innovation Solution
A leaning vehicle with a simple structure is achieved by turning the base member, which causes all the parallel link mechanism and the two front wheels to turn, changing the traveling direction of the vehicle. This design reduces the number of component members and costs while enhancing the feeling of direct steering response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a parallel link-formed arrangement including upper and lower arm members and outer link members is used for leaning and steering, then the vehicle can achieve leaning and steering functions, but the structure becomes complicated with more component members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the parallel link mechanism and steering link mechanism into a single integrated mechanism. The outer link members serve dual functions as both parallel link components and steering link components, eliminating the need for separate steering link members and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining both leaning and steering functions
2Ease of operation
If a parallel link-formed arrangement with independent steering link mechanism is used, then the vehicle can steer, but the number of component members increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outer link members are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they act as both parallel link members for leaning control and as steering link members for steering control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate steering link members, reducing the total number of components while maintaining full steering capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate parallel link mechanism and steering link mechanism are used, then the vehicle can lean and steer, but the structure for leaning and steering becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate parallel link mechanism and steering link mechanism into a unified structure where outer link members fulfill both roles. This integration eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall mechanism while preserving both leaning and steering capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
A leaning vehicle (1) includes a base member (20), an upper arm (21), a lower arm (22), a first support member (23), a second support member (24), a first wheel (6L), a second wheel (6R), and a steering operation member (8). The upper arm, the lower arm, the first support member, the second support member constitute a parallel link mechanism (70). The first wheel is movable integrally with the first support member in a turning direction of the base member. The second wheel is movable integrally with the second support member in the turning direction of the base member. According to turning of the base member by operating the steering operation member, all of the upper arm, the lower arm, the first support member, the second support member, the first wheel, and the second wheel turn around a turning center of the base member.