Straddle Vehicle Steering Shaft Support Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing all-terrain vehicles have a complex steering shaft supporting structure that is heavy and costly, necessitating a simpler and lighter design for improved weight reduction and cost efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A straddle type vehicle design featuring a steering shaft supported by a vertically extending pipe member connected to the side frames, allowing the upper part of the steering shaft to be freely rotatable and vertically movable, with a lower part supported for additional stability, and a fuel tank positioned to optimize space and weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a steering shaft supporting part is fixed to two pipes bridged over two cross members connecting side frames, then the steering shaft is firmly supported, but the structure becomes complicated and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering shaft supporting part is divided into an upper supporting part and a lower supporting part, with the upper part being a separate component from the lower part. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the upper part provides firm support while the lower part integrates with the side frames, achieving reliable support without requiring a complex bridged structure
Solution Approach 2:
The upper supporting part is extracted as a separate component that can be freely positioned and oriented relative to the lower supporting part. This extraction allows the upper supporting part to be optimally positioned to support the steering shaft without being constrained by the side frame structure, achieving firm support with a simpler overall structure
2Reliability
If a steering shaft supporting part is fixed to two pipes bridged over two cross members connecting side frames, then the steering shaft is firmly supported, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the supporting part into upper and lower sections, each can be manufactured separately using simpler processes and then assembled. The upper supporting part can be a simple cylindrical component while the lower part integrates with the side frames, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a complex bridged structure
Solution Approach 2:
The lower supporting part serves multiple functions: it supports the upper supporting part, connects to the side frames for structural integration, and provides mounting points for other components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural elements, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining support firmness
3Device complexity
If the upper part of the steering shaft is supported only on the steering shaft supporting part, then the structure is simplified, but support stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is segmented into upper and lower parts connected by a connection portion, allowing the upper part to be simply supported while the lower part provides stable anchoring to the side frames. The connection portion transmits forces between the parts, maintaining stability without adding complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The lower supporting part extends in the vehicle width direction, utilizing the third dimension (width) to provide stable anchoring to the side frames. This dimensional extension allows the simple upper supporting part to achieve stability through its broadly-based lower connection, maintaining simplicity while ensuring stability
Data Source
AI summary
A steering shaft supporting part 100 is connected to a pair of side frames 13 and 14 and extends substantially vertically to a steering shaft 12 in side view of a vehicle. An upper part of the steering shaft 12 is supported only on the steering shaft supporting part 100 so as to be freely rotatable and freely and vertically movable around an axial core of the steering shaft 12.