Pivotable Front Frame for Multi-Track Vehicle Cornering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo bikes with rigid frames cannot allow drivers to lean into curves, resulting in uncomfortable riding experiences and limited cornering speeds, while tilting technology is expensive and heavy due to multiple components.
Innovation Solution
A multi-track vehicle design with a pivotable front frame that pivots both the front and rear axles, allowing the driver to lean into curves without tilting the rear wheels, using a single pivot bearing and standard components for the drive chain or belt, enabling high cornering speeds and a comfortable ride.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional rigid frame is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but the rider cannot lean into corners resulting in uncomfortable ride and limited cornering speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a pivotable front frame part and a non-pivotable rear frame part. The front frame part includes the seat tube, down tube, and crank arm, while the rear frame part includes the rear axle and wheels. This segmentation allows the front part to pivot independently, enabling the rider to lean into corners without affecting the rear wheel position, thus improving cornering performance while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The front frame part is made pivotable relative to the rear frame part through a pivot bearing, transforming the static rigid frame into a dynamic structure. This allows the front frame to rotate and tilt during cornering, enabling the rider to lean into curves naturally, while the rear frame remains stable and fixed, maintaining the simplicity of the overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If tilting technology is implemented, then the rider can lean into corners, but the vehicle becomes complex, heavy, and fragile due to numerous components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tilting function from a complex multi-component system and implements it through a single pivot bearing located between the front and rear frame parts. This eliminates the need for numerous tilting mechanisms, reducing complexity, weight, and fragility while maintaining the ability to lean into corners.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot bearing serves multiple functions: it enables the front frame part to pivot during cornering, supports the drive shafts, and allows the chain or belt to pivot along its entire length. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining cornering performance.
3Ease of operation
If the front frame part is made pivotable, then the rider can lean into curves, but the drive chain or belt experiences increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The chain or belt is designed to pivot along its entire length as the front frame part rotates during cornering. This dynamic adjustment allows the drive components to maintain proper alignment and reduces stress on the chain or belt, minimizing wear while enabling the front frame to pivot for cornering performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a multi-track vehicle comprising a front wheel connected to a handlebar, at least two rear wheels arranged side by side and spaced apart from each other, a seat, in particular a saddle, and a pedal crank designed for propelling the vehicle. A frame section, including the saddle, handlebar, and pedal crank, is pivotable relative to the two rear wheels on an axis oriented in the direction of travel. A chain or belt leading to the drive of the rear wheels is attached in such a way that it pivots along its entire length.