Motorcycle Fork Restraint Device Magnetic Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle front suspension restraint devices are not robust or reliable enough, often requiring assistance to set and can malfunction in adverse conditions, leading to inconsistent performance and reduced longevity.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic-based retraction mechanism is employed, eliminating the need for springs, using one or more magnets to bias the restraint device towards a released position, with a lever-actuated hook and magnetic members that allow easy setting and reliable operation, even with gloved hands, ensuring the suspension fork returns to a normal operational state without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spring-based biasing elements are used in the restraint device, then the device can return to a retracted position, but the device lacks robustness and reliability in adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional spring-based mechanical biasing elements with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets mounted on the fork leg interact with magnetically attractable material on the restraining hook, providing the biasing force to return the hook to the retracted position without requiring springs or other mechanical elasticity elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetically attractable material as an intermediary between the magnets and the restraining hook. This intermediary enables magnetic interaction to exert force on the hook, allowing the magnetic field to serve as the biasing mechanism without direct mechanical contact between magnets and moving parts.
2Reliability
If the restraint device uses a robust magnetic-based mechanism, then reliability improves, but the setting operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining hook is designed as a movable component that can be dynamically positioned between engaged and retracted states. The magnetic biasing force continuously acts on the hook, allowing it to naturally return to the retracted position when released, while still enabling manual engagement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic biasing mechanism automatically returns the restraining hook to the retracted position without requiring external assistance or complex manual manipulation. The system self-regulates through magnetic attraction, reducing the complexity of operation while maintaining reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the restraining hook is designed for easy engagement, then ease of operation improves, but the device may accidentally engage with debris or environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic biasing force continuously acts on the restraining hook before engagement occurs, maintaining it in a retracted position. This preliminary magnetic action ensures the hook is ready for intentional engagement while preventing accidental engagement by debris or environmental factors, as the magnetic field provides continuous positional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic biasing mechanism applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent the restraining hook from accidentally engaging with debris or environmental factors. The magnetic attraction continuously opposes unintended engagement, allowing easy intentional engagement while blocking harmful accidental engagement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The magnetic-based restraint device provides a robust, reliable, and long-lasting solution that allows riders to set the device independently, ensuring consistent performance in various conditions and reducing the risk of accidental engagement by debris or environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
At least one magnetic member is configured to retract the restraining hook
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint device for being secured on a telescopic suspension comprising a first portion, which may be a fork band comprising a first restraining hook, a second portion comprising a body, a trigger, at least one magnetic member, and a second restraining hook, wherein the first restraining hook and the second restraining hook are configured to selectively engage one another to secure the suspension in a compressed position, and wherein the at least one magnetic member is configured to retract the second restraining hook when the device is disengaged to permit normal operation of the suspension.