Motorcycle Steering Assembly Lever Mechanism for Braking Dive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motorcycle steering mechanisms experience front-end dive during braking due to load transfer from the rear wheel to the front wheel, leading to handling and braking issues.
Innovation Solution
A steering assembly comprising handlebars, an upper steering stem, a lever assembly, and a lower steering stem, which is operably connected to the front ground-engaging wheel, reducing the amount of front-end dive by distributing the load more evenly and allowing for resilient deflection of the wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a telescopic fork suspension system is used to support the front wheel, then the steering mechanism is simplified, but the front end dives during braking due to compression of the forks under increased load
Solution Approach 1:
The steering assembly is divided into multiple functional segments: handlebars for steering input, upper and lower steering stems for mechanical linkage, and a lever assembly with resilient means for load management. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively reducing front-end dive during braking.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever assembly incorporates resilient means (such as springs or dampers) that are pre-configured to absorb and dissipate the increased load on the front wheel during braking. This beforehand cushioning prevents the sharp compression that causes front-end dive, maintaining stability while the telescopic forks continue to provide suspension.
2Force
If load transfer to the front wheel is allowed during braking, then braking effectiveness is improved, but front-end dive occurs causing handling problems and rider discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The lever assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the front wheel and the steering stem. It mediates the load transfer during braking by allowing controlled movement and energy dissipation, preventing the direct transmission of braking forces to the handlebars that would cause unstable handling and rider discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient means in the lever assembly changes the mechanical parameters (such as stiffness and damping characteristics) in response to braking loads. This allows the system to accommodate the increased force on the front wheel while maintaining handling stability, effectively decoupling braking force from steering stability.
3Measurement precision
If a rigid connection is used between the steering assembly and front wheel, then steering precision is improved, but front-end dive is exacerbated during braking
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the steering assembly and front wheel is made dynamic rather than rigid. The lever assembly with resilient means allows for controlled movement and adaptation to changing load conditions during braking, maintaining steering precision while accommodating the dynamic forces that would otherwise cause front-end dive.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a motorcycle including a frame, a front ground-engaging wheel, rear ground-engaging wheel and a steering assembly. The steering assembly includes handlebars, an upper steering stem, a lower steering stem and a lever assembly intermediate the upper steering stem and the lower steering stem and wherein the steering assembly is operably connected to the front ground-engaging wheel.