Releasable Handlebar Gripping Element for Tilting Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handlebar devices for tilting vehicles have non-releasable gripping elements secured by injection-molding, making replacement of damaged or requested gripping elements laborious and complex, as they require cutting and adhesive bonding.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a receiving element that allows for the securement of a releasable gripping element, which can be easily replaced by being clip-fitted or screwed onto the handlebar, with a closure element to prevent material penetration during series production and a protection device to safeguard against damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If gripping elements are non-releasably secured to the gripping portion by injection-molding, then forces can be transmitted in a particularly effective manner, but replacement of gripping elements becomes laborious and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the gripping element system into two separable parts: a reusable receiving element that remains permanently attached to the gripping portion via injection-molding, and a replaceable gripping element that can be easily detached and reattached. This segmentation allows the force transmission function to be maintained through the permanent receiving element while enabling easy replacement of the gripping element through simple mechanical attachment means such as clips or screws.
2Reliability
If gripping elements are non-releasably secured by injection-molding, then secure attachment is achieved, but removal requires cutting and adhesive bonding which is complex and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping element system is segmented into a permanently attached receiving element and a separately replaceable gripping element. The receiving element maintains reliable attachment through injection-molding, while the gripping element uses simple mechanical attachment means such as clips or screws, reducing replacement complexity to basic mechanical operations without requiring cutting or adhesive bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving element acts as an intermediary component that remains permanently attached to the gripping portion and provides a standardized interface for attaching and detaching gripping elements. This intermediary structure enables reliable force transmission while facilitating easy replacement through simple mechanical means.
3Ease of repair
If a receiving element is added to enable releasable gripping elements, then replacement is simplified, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving element is merged with the gripping portion through permanent injection-molding, creating an integrated structure that does not add significant complexity. The receiving element combines multiple functions: it provides the permanent attachment interface, serves as the mounting structure for replaceable gripping elements, and maintains force transmission pathways. This merging approach minimizes additional structural complexity while enabling easy replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering device for a tilting vehicle is provided having at least one handlebar which includes at least one gripping portion, with at least one receiving element which is fixed or fixable, releasably or non-releasably, on the gripping portion for fixing a gripping element, and with at least one gripping element which covers the receiving element from the outside and which is either directly fixed or fixable non-releasably, in particular adhered or molded, on the gripping portion or is directly fixed or fixable releasably, in particular clipped or screwed, on the receiving element.