Steering Structure for Saddle Vehicle with Offset Head Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering structures for saddle type vehicles with bendable link mechanisms require additional space and are influenced by upward and downward movements of the front wheel, limiting the degree of freedom of the handlebar position.
Innovation Solution
A steering structure with a head pipe offsetting the steering axial line, a steering member pivoting around it, a link member connecting the steering member and handlebar, and a pivotal member absorbing angle changes, allowing the handlebar to be positioned rearward and reducing the influence of front wheel movements on steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a bendable and stretchable link mechanism is used to connect the handlebar and front wheel suspending member, then the mechanism can accommodate upward and downward movements of the front wheel, but the mechanism extends forwardly or rearwardly requiring additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear extension arrangement to a rotational arrangement. The link mechanism is repositioned to rotate about a pivot point located near the front wheel axis, allowing the mechanism to accommodate vertical wheel movements through rotation rather than linear extension. This dimensional change eliminates the need for forward or rearward space occupation.
2Ease of operation
If the handlebar is connected to the front wheel suspending member through a link mechanism, then steering control is achieved, but upward and downward movements of the front wheel influence the steering position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pivot member as an intermediary element between the link mechanism and the front wheel suspending member. This pivot member acts as a mediator that decouples the vertical movement of the front wheel from the steering control function. The pivot allows the link to rotate independently, preventing direct transmission of suspension movements to the handlebar position.
3Volume of moving object
If the steering axial line is offset from the handlebar steering axial line, then the handlebar can be positioned rearwardly for compactness, but additional mechanical complexity is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the steering function with the link mechanism by having the link connect the handlebar to the front wheel suspending member while rotating about a pivot near the wheel axis. This integration allows the handlebar to be positioned rearwardly for compactness while the combined steering-suspension link mechanism handles both functions through a unified structural arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering structure for a saddle type vehicle includes a head pipe which forms a steering axial line offset to a front side with respect to a steering axial line of a handlebar, a steering member supported for pivotal motion on the head pipe and configured to pivot around the steering axial line integrally with a front wheel, and a link member connected at a first end portion thereof for pivotal motion on the steering member and connected at a second end portion thereof for pivotal motion to the handlebar. The steering structure also includes a pivotal member provided between the first end portion of the link member and the steering member and supported on the steering member for rotation around a pivotal axial line extending along a center axial line of an axle of the front wheel.