Thread Nut Integrating Potentiometer Cable Guide for Steering Angle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing saddle-ride vehicles face challenges in accurately measuring steering angles without increasing costs or part complexity, as traditional methods require dedicated components on the steering shaft and complex design changes.
Innovation Solution
A saddle-ride vehicle design incorporating a steering shaft, head pipe, main frame, top and bottom bridges, upper and lower end bearings, a thread nut with engagement grooves and projection parts, and a potentiometer with a cable that can be easily attached and adjusted, allowing for versatile cable fixation and guidance without additional dedicated parts on the steering shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a steering angle sensor is provided in the lower end portion of the steering shaft, then steering angle measurement is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the thread nut serve multiple functions: it not only fastens the upper end bearing to the steering shaft but also provides cable fixation portions and guide portions for the potentiometer cable. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, reducing device complexity while maintaining steering angle measurement capability through the potentiometer system.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated components are added to the steering shaft for sensor mounting, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastening function and cable fixation function into a single thread nut component. The thread nut integrates cable fixation portions and guide portions directly into its structure, combining multiple functions that would traditionally require separate components. This reduces part count and manufacturing cost while maintaining the ability to accurately measure steering angles through the potentiometer.
3Measurement precision
If complex design changes are made to accommodate steering angle measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable fixation function into separate cable fixation portions that can be independently positioned and adjusted on the thread nut. The guide portions are also separately formed, allowing the cable to be routed and fixed at optimal positions. This segmentation enables easy installation and adjustment of the potentiometer system without complex design changes to the overall steering mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A saddle-ride vehicle includes a steering shaft, a head pipe, a main frame, a top bridge and a bottom bridge, an upper end bearing and a lower end bearing, a potentiometer, a bracket, and a thread nut. The steering shaft has a shaft axis. The head pipe supports the steering shaft to be rotatable around the shaft axis. The main frame extends from the head pipe toward a rear side of a vehicle body. The top bridge and the bottom bridge are fixed to upper and lower ends of the steering shaft, respectively. The upper end bearing and the lower end bearing are provided inside the head pipe at upper and lower ends of the head pipe, respectively to support the steering shaft rotatably. The potentiometer includes a cable and is configured to output an electric signal in accordance with a pullout amount of the cable.