Resisting Force Mechanism for Compact Steering Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicles with leanable body frames and two front wheels face challenges in restricting the enlargement of the peripheral construction of the steering shaft due to the need for a resisting force changing mechanism that does not interfere with the movable range of the link mechanism, while also accommodating on-board components without increasing the size of the steering shaft's peripheral construction.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design that incorporates a resisting force changing mechanism with a first and second part that are displaceable relative to each other, where the first part is supported by shock absorbing devices below the lower cross member, and the second part is supported by the upper cross member, lower cross member, and side rods, allowing the movable range of the resisting force changing mechanism to be smaller than the link mechanism, and utilizing the space between the shock absorbing devices and the link mechanism to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resisting force changing mechanism is added to restrict link mechanism operation, then the link mechanism operation can be restricted, but the peripheral construction of the steering shaft expands
Solution Approach 1:
The resisting force changing mechanism is positioned in the vertical dimension (up-down direction) rather than expanding horizontally around the steering shaft. The first part is supported below the lower cross member and the second part is supported above it, utilizing vertical space to avoid increasing the peripheral construction area of the steering shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The resisting force changing mechanism is divided into two separate parts: a first part supported by shock absorbing devices below the lower cross member, and a second part supported by the upper cross member, lower cross member, and side rods. This segmentation allows the mechanism to be distributed in space without concentrating all components around the steering shaft periphery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If on-board components are provided on the periphery of the steering shaft, then the vehicle functionality is enhanced, but the size of the steering shaft's peripheral construction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the resisting force changing mechanism and other on-board components in the vertical dimension rather than expanding horizontally. By supporting components above and below the cross members rather than only on the periphery of the steering shaft, the design maintains a compact peripheral construction while providing necessary vehicle functionality.
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
This configuration reduces the movable range of the resisting force changing mechanism, preventing it from expanding and interfering with the steering shaft, thus maintaining a compact size of the peripheral construction while effectively restricting the operation of the link mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a right shock absorbing device supporting the right front wheel so as to be movable in the up-and-down direction of the vehicle body frame, and a left shock absorbing device which supports the left front wheel so as to be movable in the up-and-down direction of the vehicle body frame
Implementation Method 2
The caliper changes the resisting force that is exerted on the operation of the link mechanism by controlling the frictional force between the caliper and the brake disc
Data Source
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AI summary
An anti-deformation mechanism (7) includes a first connecting member (11) and a second connecting member (12) capable of being displaced relative to one another, and a caliper (72). A resistive force against the relative displacement of the members can be changed. The first connecting member (11) and the second connecting member (12) have rotating support parts (11a, 12a) supported respectively by a first shock absorber (33) and a second shock absorber (35). A portion of the caliper (72) is supported by a vehicle body frame (21). The rotating support part (11 a) is supported by the first shock absorber (33) at a position closer to a first center axis (X) than an intermediate axis line (Z) that is aligned with the rotational axis of a steering shaft (60) in a state in which the vehicle body frame (21) is upright. The rotating support part (11 b) is supported by the second shock absorber (35) at a position closer to a second center axis (Y) than the intermediate axis line (Z) in a state in which the vehicle frame (21) is upright.