Modular Tilting Forecarriage for Three-Wheel Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle manufacturing lacks a modular frame solution that can efficiently convert two-wheeled vehicles into three-wheeled tilting vehicles and vice versa, requiring strict tolerances and complex assembly processes, which complicates production and retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
A three- or four-wheeled tilting motor vehicle design featuring a modular frame with a removable forecarriage component that includes a tilting kinematic mechanism and a tubular forecarriage support frame, allowing for easy assembly and increased rigidity, utilizing a tubular body rigidly connected to the steering sleeve for stability and precision comparable to a single-piece frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular frame with removable forecarriage component is used, then adaptability and ease of retrofitting are improved, but device complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a base frame and a removable forecarriage component, allowing the vehicle to be reconfigured between two-wheeled and three-wheeled modes by simply attaching or detaching the forecarriage assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The base frame is designed to support both two-wheeled and three-wheeled configurations, enabling a single platform to serve multiple vehicle types through the optional forecarriage component
2Strength
If a removable forecarriage component is added to increase rigidity, then strength is improved, but ease of manufacture and assembly time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The forecarriage component is pre-assembled with the tilting mechanism and wheel supports before being mounted to the base frame, allowing quality control and rigidity optimization to be performed on the critical assembly separately
Solution Approach 2:
The forecarriage component acts as an intermediary structure that connects the base frame to the tilting mechanism and wheels, providing the necessary rigidity while maintaining a clear separation between modular elements for easier manufacturing
3Manufacturing precision
If construction accuracy comparable to one-piece frame is maintained, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity and assembly speed are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Critical alignment features and mounting interfaces are pre-prepared on both the base frame and forecarriage component, ensuring that when assembled, the precision requirements are met without requiring complex adjustment procedures during final assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical alignment and adjustment mechanisms are replaced with precision-machined interfaces and self-centering features that automatically ensure accurate alignment when the forecarriage is mounted to the base frame
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tilting motor vehicle with three or four-wheels, of which at least two front wheels (10 10") comprising: -- a frame (6) extending from a forecarriage (8) which supports a pair of front wheels (10', 10"), to a rear (12) which supports one or more rear wheels (14), said frame (6) defining a steering sleeve (7); and a steering column (9) coaxially supported by the steering sleeve (7) along a steering axle S-S. The forecarriage (8) in turn comprises a forecarriage support frame (20). The forecarriage support frame (20) comprises: - a tubular body (21) rigidly connected to the sleeve (7) at an upper end (21a) of the tubular body (21) to axially extend said steering sleeve (7), the steering column (9) being arranged inside the tubular body (21); and - a fixing structure (22) for support means of the pair of front wheels (10', 10") such fixing structure (22) being associated with the tubular body (21) at a lower end (21b) thereof. The invention also relates to a kit for converting a two-wheeled motor vehicle into a three-wheeled motor vehicle, of which two at the front.