Scooter Leaf Spring Impact Absorber Steering Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scooters face challenges in achieving a simple, compact, and easy-to-operate steering mechanism while minimizing the impact of ground bumps and reducing the space required by suspension components, particularly the impact absorber.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves separating the damping and steering functions by making the impact absorber dynamically independent in the median plane, allowing forces to be directed along the shortest path to the platform, and using a single leaf spring as the impact absorber, which can be integrated with the front and rear wheel suspension, reducing the complexity and mass of steering components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the impact absorber is made movable or deformable only in planes parallel to the median plane, then the steering mechanism becomes simpler and more compact, but the ability to absorb impacts from all directions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The impact absorber is segmented into multiple independent leaf springs arranged in parallel, each capable of deforming independently to absorb impacts from different directions while maintaining simple steering geometry
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple leaf springs are merged into a single integrated impact absorber assembly that functions as both the suspension element and the steering pivot, eliminating the need for separate steering mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If the impact absorber is positioned closer to the wheel axis, then the steering inertia is reduced, but the structural strength required to handle impact forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf spring is designed with optimized curvature and arch geometry that allows it to be positioned close to the wheel axis while maintaining sufficient structural strength through its elastic deformation characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the leaf spring (thickness, width, length, curvature radius) are optimized to provide the necessary strength at reduced distances from the wheel axis, balancing steering ease with impact resistance
3Device complexity
If a single leaf spring is used as the impact absorber, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of impact force distribution control is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The single leaf spring is designed with asymmetric geometry and variable cross-section that allows precise control of stress distribution and impact force characteristics without requiring multiple symmetric components
Solution Approach 2:
The leaf spring parameters (thickness variation, width variation, curvature) are precisely controlled during manufacturing to achieve the desired impact force distribution characteristics
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 approach allows for reduced friction and inertia in steering, enabling more flexible design options and improved aesthetics, while distributing impact forces more evenly across the scooter, enhancing user comfort and reducing structural complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The arcuate leaf spring is not attached to the board member but rather engages the board member when a downward force from the weight of the rider is applied. The principal function of the leaf spring is to provide a resilient deformation restoring force to the board member.
Implementation Method 2
the impact absorber being movable or deformable only in planes parallel to a median plane of the platform
Data Source
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AI summary
Scooter (V) comprising a user support platform (1), a front wheel (W), a support (3) of the front wheel (W), and suspension means (S) of the front wheel (W), wherein the suspension means comprise an impact absorber (4) linked to the platform (1), the impact absorber (4) comprising a front end (41), the impact absorber (4) being movable or deformable only in a median plane of the platform (1) such that the support (3) of the front wheel (W) is rotatable with respect to the impact absorber (4) to allow steering of the scooter, the support (3) of the front wheel (W) leaning on the front end (41) of the impact absorber (4), such that the suspension means transmit the impacts to the platform, thus allowing to mechanically separate the steering and suspension functions.