Steering Apparatus with Split Coupler Fork Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steering handle bars with a large rise in height increase weight to maintain strength and rigidity, and existing designs struggle to provide adequate vertical extension of fork legs for the handle bar without using such high-rise bars.
Innovation Solution
A steering apparatus with rotatably supported fork legs that extend vertically from the steering column, allowing a handle bar to be coupled to split couplers at the top fork portions, enabling adjustable height without the need for a high-rise handle bar, and maintaining strength and rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a steering handle bar with a large rise (height) is used, then the vertical height of the handle bar is increased, but the weight increases to maintain strength and rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the vertical height function into two separate components: the fork legs provide vertical extension from the steering column, while the handle bar itself can have minimal rise. This segmentation allows the handle bar to remain lightweight while the fork legs (designed for vertical support) provide the necessary height, resolving the contradiction between height and weight.
2Length of stationary object
If the fork legs are extended vertically to provide adequate rise, then the handle bar height is increased, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fork legs serve multiple functions: they support the front wheel axle horizontally and simultaneously provide vertical extension to achieve the necessary rise for the handle bar. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural elements, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while achieving the desired vertical extension.
Data Source
AI summary
A handle structure is provided that maintains strength and rigidity of a steering handle bar or object, is lightweight, and does not require a steering handle bar with a large rise (height). A steering column is rotatably supported by a head tube, while left and right fork legs are attached along a left and a right side of the steering column. The axle of the front wheel is rotatably supported by a dropout at a bottom end of the left and right fork legs. The top edges of the left and right fork legs adequately projects upward from the top end of the steering column. One steering handle bar is is supported by split couplers or connectors coupled to each top fork portion of the left and right front legs.