Tilt-Decoupled Motorcycle Steering via Decoupling Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle front wheel suspension systems transmit tilt movements to the handlebar, causing rider instability and potential riding errors due to the direct connection between the telescopic fork and the steering head.
Innovation Solution
A tilt-decoupled steering apparatus is introduced, featuring a handlebar bridge and fork bridge connected by a decoupling apparatus that allows rotation about the steering axis while preventing tilt movement transmission, using a combination of pivot bearings, transmission pins, and elastic sleeves to isolate the handlebar from fork tilt movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the telescopic fork is directly connected to the steering head, then the steering structure is simple and robust, but tilt movements are transmitted to the handlebar causing rider instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a decoupling apparatus as an intermediary component between the fork bridge and the handlebar bridge. This decoupling apparatus includes a bearing that allows the fork bridge to rotate independently from the handlebar bridge, thereby mediating the connection and preventing tilt movement transmission while maintaining steering functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system is segmented into separate functional components: the fork bridge that handles suspension movements, the handlebar bridge that handles steering inputs, and the decoupling apparatus that connects them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the decoupling apparatus isolating tilt movements from the handlebar.
2Power
If the fork bridge is connected to the handlebar bridge, then steering torque transmission is direct, but tilt movements are also transmitted to the handlebar
Solution Approach 1:
The decoupling apparatus serves as a mediator that selectively transmits steering torque while blocking tilt movements. The bearing within the decoupling apparatus allows rotation in the steering direction while preventing rotation in the tilt direction, thus mediating the transmission of forces between the fork bridge and handlebar bridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling apparatus exhibits different mechanical properties in different directions: it provides rigid connection for steering torque transmission (about the steering axis) but allows movement compensation for tilt movements (about the tilt axis). This anisotropic behavior is achieved through the specific geometry and constraints of the bearing and connecting elements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively decouples the handlebar from tilt movements, ensuring stable steering and improved riding behavior by allowing steering torque transmission while preventing tilt movement transmission, thus enhancing rider comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the tilt movement caused as a result of the fork bridge is compensated for by the decoupling apparatus by way of elastic deformation or kinematics which permit said movement
Implementation Method 2
A tilt-decoupled steering apparatus is introduced, featuring a handlebar bridge and fork bridge connected by a decoupling apparatus that allows rotation about the steering axis while preventing tilt movement transmission
Data Source
AI summary
A tilt-decoupled steering device of a motorbike includes a handlebar bridge for receiving a motorbike handlebar, a fork bridge for receiving a fork leg, and at least one decoupling device connecting the handlebar bridge to the fork bridge. The handlebar bridge is mounted such that it can rotate about a steering axis and is secured about a tilt axis orthogonal to the steering axis, and the fork bridge is mounted such that it can rotate about the steering axis and about the tilt axis. The decoupling device transfers a steering movement and a steering torque in a steering direction about the steering axis between the handlebar bridge and the fork bridge, and compensates for a tilting movement in a tilting direction about the tilt axis of the fork bridge relative to the handlebar bridge.