Tilting Cargo Trike Frame With Speed-Matched Steering Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-wheeled vehicles face challenges in maintaining stability during turns, especially when carrying heavy loads or passengers, as they require driver-controlled tilting and often result in an unnatural ride due to fixed kingpin angles and inadequate frame tilting, which can lead to tipping and loss of balance.
Innovation Solution
A three-wheeled vehicle design featuring a single rear wheel and two coaxial front wheels with a steerable frame that tilts in a controlled manner, utilizing a central gimbal to match tilting with steering angle and speed, ensuring the load remains level and the vehicle's center of gravity shifts laterally for enhanced stability, similar to a bicycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle uses fixed kingpin angles for steering, then the steering mechanism is simple, but the wheel and frame tilting does not correspond to the speed-dependent tilt needed for bicycle-like balance, causing an unnatural ride sensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a speed-sensitive tilting mechanism where the frame and wheels dynamically adjust their tilt angle based on vehicle speed. At higher speeds, the mechanism automatically increases tilting during turns to match bicycle-like balance characteristics, while at lower speeds it reduces tilting. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the ride natural at speed without requiring complex manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the tilting parameter as a function of speed. The mechanism includes speed-sensitive elements that automatically adjust the tilting angle according to vehicle velocity, transforming the fixed-tilt system into a variable-tilt system that adapts to operating conditions, thereby achieving natural ride sensation without overly complex control systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the vehicle frame tilts significantly during turns to improve stability, then turning stability improves, but the load may become unbalanced or tipped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tilting function into separate components: the frame tilts independently to provide turning stability, while the load-carrying platform remains level through independent suspension or support mechanisms. This segmentation allows the frame to achieve the necessary tilt angle for stability without causing the load to tip or become unbalanced, as the load platform is decoupled from the frame's tilting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary mechanism between the tilting frame and the load platform. This intermediary (such as a level-ing suspension system or independent platform support) absorbs the tilting motion of the frame while maintaining the load platform in a horizontal position, thus preventing load imbalance while preserving frame tilting for stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle uses driver-controlled tilting to maintain balance, then the vehicle can adapt to various conditions, but the driver must constantly balance their own weight, vehicle weight, and load weight which is difficult at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-balancing mechanism that automatically adjusts the vehicle's tilt and weight distribution without requiring active driver input. The system uses sensors to detect vehicle state (speed, load, steering angle) and automatically actuates tilting mechanisms and suspension systems to maintain balance, thereby providing adaptability to various conditions while eliminating the difficulty of manual balancing especially at low speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback control systems that continuously monitor vehicle dynamics including weight distribution, speed, and steering angle. This feedback information is used by control algorithms to automatically adjust tilting and suspension parameters, enabling the vehicle to adapt to changing conditions while removing the burden of manual balancing from the driver.
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
The vehicle achieves improved turning stability by dynamically tilting the frame and wheels in response to steering and speed, maintaining the load in a substantially level position and enhancing overall vehicle stability, while also providing a footrest that allows direct access for passengers.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of suspension springs while the rearward frame and wheels are tilted
Implementation Method 2
A central gimbal provides a means for the vehicle tilt to be controlled by the steering angle, and also provides a means for the vehicle tilt to be matched to the vehicle speed
Implementation Method 3
causing the vehicle and load center of gravity to shift laterally to enhance vehicle stability
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments of a tilting frame for a three-wheeled vehicle with a steerable load-carrying front end. When the vehicle is rolling forward and steered, the wheels and portions of the frame can tilt sideward in a controlled manner to provide turning stability. Further, the frame keeps the load in a substantially-level and fully supported while also causing the vehicle and load center of gravity to shift laterally to enhance vehicle stability. An embodiment of the invention relates to human pedaled and electric-assisted vehicles including cargo bikes and trishaws for carrying passengers.