Leaning Front-Wheel Linkage for Synchronized Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing saddle type vehicles require individual steering angle adjustments for left and right front wheels, leading to suboptimal operability.
Innovation Solution
A configuration featuring an interlocking link mechanism that synchronizes the steering angles of left and right front wheels through an interlocking link mechanism, allowing one wheel's steering to control the other, and enabling the vehicle body to lean for improved operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual steering angle adjustments are provided for left and right front wheels, then steering control flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steering control of left and right front wheels into a unified interlocking mechanism. The linkage mechanism integrates both steering functions, allowing simultaneous control of both wheels through a single operating input, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining steering control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking linkage mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls both left and right front wheel steering angles simultaneously, ensures coordinated movement of both wheels, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each wheel.
2Ease of operation
If an interlocking link mechanism is introduced to synchronize steering angles, then steering operability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism is divided into distinct segments: a first linkage member connected to the left front wheel, a second linkage member connected to the right front wheel, and connecting elements that interlock them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to improve steering operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the steering input and the front wheels. It mediates the steering motion, ensuring synchronized and coordinated adjustment of both front wheels while isolating the complexity from the driver's direct control input.
3Ease of operation
If the vehicle body is designed to lean during steering, then handling is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle body is designed with dynamic leaning capability that activates during steering operations. The body structure allows controlled tilting in response to steering input, improving handling quality by mimicking natural motorcycle behavior while reducing the need for complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle body's leaning function serves itself by utilizing the steering motion as the driving force for the lean. The interlocking linkage mechanism's movement naturally induces body lean through the mechanical connection, eliminating the need for separate actuators or complex control systems to generate the lean.
Data Source
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AI summary
A traveling vehicle (1) includes a vehicle body (3), a left swing part (12L), a right swing part (12R), and an interlocking link mechanism (40). The left swing part (12L) and the right swing part (12R) are supported on the vehicle body (3) so as to be swingable in the up-down direction, respectively. A left support part (30L) supporting a left front wheel (4L) is provided on a front part of the left swing part so as to be rotatable about a left steering shaft (31L). A right support part (30R) supporting a right front wheel (4R, 4) is provided at a front part of the right swing part so as to be rotatable about a right steering shaft (31R). The interlocking link mechanism (40) rotates one of the left support part (30L) and the right support part (30R) in conjunction with the other. The interlocking link mechanism (40) is provided between the left support part (30L) and the right support part (30R).