Steering System with Fixed Shaft and Triangular Supports
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering systems for light vehicles with a single front wheel and two rear wheels are cumbersome and unattractive, interfering with driver accessibility and forward visibility, and contribute to the vehicle's mass and cost.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with two triangular supports fixed to the ends of a steering tube, featuring a fixed shaft with axial stops and bearings that allow for a compact and aesthetically integrated fixing arm to support the bodywork, enabling unobstructed rotation and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional motorcycle-type fork with rigid supporting structure is used, then the steering function is achieved, but the structure becomes bulky and obstructs driver visibility and access to controls
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system is divided into separate functional components: a fixed shaft for structural support, rotating triangular supports for steering motion, and a separate body fixing arm for mounting the bodywork. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without interfering with driver visibility or control access.
Solution Approach 2:
The body fixing arm is positioned in a different spatial dimension (above the steering components) rather than in the traditional horizontal plane. This vertical arrangement removes the mounting structure from the driver's field of view and access path while maintaining structural support functionality.
2Strength
If a bulky supporting structure is used to mount the bodywork, then the bodywork is securely supported, but the vehicle mass increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed shaft serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the steering tube, acts as a mounting axis for the triangular supports, and serves as the attachment point for the body fixing arm. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate supporting structures, reducing overall mass while maintaining strength.
3Ease of operation
If traditional steering components are arranged in conventional positions, then steering functionality is achieved, but the structure is unsightly and obstructs forward visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The body fixing arm and mounting structure are positioned vertically above the steering components rather than horizontally in front of the driver. This dimensional repositioning clears the forward visibility path while creating a cleaner, more aesthetic profile from the driver's perspective.
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 solution provides a lightweight, compact, and aesthetically pleasing steering system that enhances driver visibility and reduces the vehicle's mass and cost by eliminating the need for a cumbersome supporting structure, while maintaining effective steering functionality.
Implementation Method 1
Axial clamping of the shaft is then achieved via the axial thrust bearing, which allows rotation of the upper triangular support located below the fixed arm
Implementation Method 2
subsequently via bearings positioned between each triangular support and the steering tube
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering system for a vehicle equipped with a body and a single front wheel (6), this system comprising a fork including two triangular supports (34, 36) of a fork intended to be fixed to the ends of a steering tube (54) disposed at the front of the chassis (2) of this vehicle, this system being remarkable in that it includes a fixed shaft (30) intended to be fitted in the steering tube (54), receiving on each side by means of a bearing (32) a triangular support (34, 36), this shaft (30) receiving above the upper triangular support (36) successively an axial stop (46), a body fixing arm (50), then an upper axial clamping means (52) engaged on the fixed shaft (30), which clamps the assembly carried by this shaft down to the lower triangular support (34).