Front Wheel Suspension Steering Angle Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional front wheel suspension devices require a large number of steps for steering angle adjustment, making the process complex and time-consuming, especially when aligning the steering angles on the handle and front wheel sides.
Innovation Solution
A positioning structure for the front wheel suspension device that includes a fork, a fork holder, and a steering part, with a linking mechanism that allows for independent adjustment of steering angles using offset axes, eliminating the need for angle gauges and reducing the number of working steps by utilizing insertion members that align through specific engagement parts and sliding mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional steering angle adjustment methods are used, then steering angles can be aligned, but the number of working steps increases and the process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structure enables self-alignment through the offset between the first steering axis (steering part rotational axis) and the second steering axis (fork rotational axis). The insertion members automatically align when passed through the engagement parts, eliminating the need for external angle gauges or complex adjustment procedures. The system serves itself by using the inherent geometric relationship between the offset axes to achieve precise steering angle alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism acts as an intermediary between the steering part and the fork. It includes a first engagement part (steering part side engaging part and body frame side engaging part) and a second engagement part (fork side engaging part and fork holder side engaging part), connected by insertion members. This intermediary structure transfers and coordinates the steering angles between the handle and front wheel sides, ensuring they coincide without requiring complex external adjustment tools.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional steering angle adjustment methods are used, then steering angles can be aligned, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The offset between the first steering axis and the second steering axis is pre-designed into the positioning structure. The engagement parts and insertion members are configured in advance to automatically align when assembled. This preliminary geometric configuration eliminates the need for time-consuming post-assembly adjustments, allowing steering angle alignment to be achieved simply by passing the insertion members through the engagement parts during assembly.
3Measurement precision
If angle gauges are used for adjustment, then steering angles can be measured, but additional tools and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for external angle gauges by using the offset between the first steering axis (steering part rotational axis) and the second steering axis (fork rotational axis) as an inherent measurement reference. When the insertion members are passed through the engagement parts, the geometric relationship between the offset axes automatically ensures that the steering angles on the handle and front wheel sides coincide, providing self-measurement and self-alignment without additional tools.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex adjustment procedures are used, then steering angles can be aligned, but workability during assembly decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism serves as a simplified intermediary that coordinates the steering angles between the steering part and the fork. It includes a first engagement part (steering part side engaging part and body frame side engaging part) and a second engagement part (fork side engaging part and fork holder side engaging part), connected by insertion members. This intermediary structure allows workers to simply pass the insertion members through the engagement parts without performing complex adjustment procedures, significantly improving ease of operation while ensuring precise steering angle alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
To achieve steering angle adjustment on a steering part side and a front wheel side, a positioning structure includes: a first engagement part for engaging the steering part and a body frame with each other at a first steering angle that is an angle about a first steering axis at the time of assembling the vehicle; a second engagement part for engaging a fork and a fork holder at a second steering angle that is an angle about a second steering axis at the time of assembling the vehicle; and a linking mechanism for linking the first engagement part and the second engagement part to each other. The linking mechanism is provided with a steering adjusting mechanism for putting the first engagement part into engagement by adjusting the first steering angle and for putting the second engagement part into engagement by adjusting the second steering angle.