Reverse Tricycle Steering Mechanism for Lean Induction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering mechanisms for recumbent reverse tricycles do not effectively induce leaning during turning, leading to instability and discomfort, especially when encountering irregularities.
Innovation Solution
A steering mechanism comprising a structural member with upper and lower link arm assemblies, a shock absorber, and pivot assemblies that allow the front wheels to pivot and lean towards the center of the turn, while absorbing shocks and jarring through cushioning members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional steering mechanism is used for recumbent reverse tricycles, then the structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot effectively induce leaning during turning, leading to instability and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism is segmented into multiple functional components: a structural member with openings, link arm assemblies (upper and lower), a shock absorber, and pivot assemblies. Each component performs a specific function in the leaning induction process, allowing the complex function of stable turning to be achieved through coordinated simple parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism employs dynamic elements including pivotable link arm assemblies that can rotate about pins, a shock absorber that dynamically responds to vertical movements, and pivot assemblies that allow wheels to lean into turns. These dynamic components enable the vehicle to automatically induce leaning during turning, improving stability.
2Ease of operation
If the front wheels are constrained to remain upright during turning, then the steering mechanism is simple, but the vehicle experiences instability and driver discomfort when encountering irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering function with the suspension function into a single integrated mechanism. The link arm assemblies serve both to steer the wheels and to allow them to lean during turning, while the shock absorber provides suspension. This combination achieves driver comfort through leaning capability without requiring completely separate steering and suspension systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The link arm assemblies perform multiple functions: they connect the structural member to the wheels, enable steering through pivotable connections, allow leaning during turning, and work with the shock absorber to provide suspension. This multi-functionality improves driver comfort while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If link arm assemblies are made rigid to improve steering precision, then the steering response is accurate, but the vehicle cannot absorb shocks and jarring effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The shock absorber acts as an intermediary element between the rigid structural member and the link arm assemblies. It absorbs shocks and jarring from the road surface while allowing the link arm assemblies to maintain their steering function. This mediator protects the steering precision from being compromised by road irregularities.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorber provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed in the mechanism to absorb shocks and jarring before they can affect the steering precision. This protective measure ensures that the rigid link arm assemblies maintain their steering accuracy even when encountering road irregularities.
4Ease of operation
If the shock absorber is made softer to improve comfort, then shocks are better absorbed, but the steering response becomes sluggish and less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism applies different quality characteristics to different parts: the shock absorber is designed with specific damping properties to provide comfort, while the link arm assemblies maintain rigidity for precise steering response. This local differentiation of quality allows the system to achieve both comfort and steering responsiveness without one compromising the other.
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 mechanism ensures stable turning by allowing the front wheels to lean into the turn, absorbing shocks, and providing comfort by minimizing impact on the driver, thus enhancing the overall riding experience.
Implementation Method 1
absorbing shocks and jarring through cushioning members
Implementation Method 2
two upper link arm assemblies pivotably secured to the upper openings respectively; two lower link arm assemblies pivotably secured to the lower openings respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A steering mechanism of a reverse tricycle in combination includes a structural member including a central opening, two upper openings, and two lower openings; two upper link arm assemblies pivotably secured to the upper openings respectively; two lower link arm assemblies pivotably secured to the lower openings respectively; a shock absorber disposed through the central opening and having both ends pivotably secured to the lower link arm assemblies respectively; and two pivot assemblies wherein one pivot assembly pivotably secured to a hub of one front wheel of the tricycle and an other pivot assembly pivotably secured to a hub of an other front wheel of the tricycle. The steering mechanism causes leaning of the reverse tricycle in the direction of turning.