Tilting Front-Wheel Load Platform for Stable Three-Wheel Cargo

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Solution Overview

Problem

Three-wheeled tilting vehicles have limited load capacity, and existing solutions to increase load often compromise stability or require additional load modules, making them less efficient than two-wheeled motorcycles or tricycles.

Innovation Solution

A saddle riding motor vehicle with a roll four-bar linkage that supports front wheels, featuring a lower cross member extending between the wheels to position a load close to the ground, minimizing pivoting and lateral movement during tilting, and allowing for increased load capacity without additional modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the four-bar linkage is placed in a very high position to avoid load collision with front wheels, then load capacity is improved, but transverse movements of the load increase during tilting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidload stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a longitudinal dimension to the load support structure by extending the lower cross member beyond the front wheels in the longitudinal direction. This creates a new spatial arrangement where the load can be positioned in front of the wheels rather than directly above them, allowing the four-bar linkage to be lowered while maintaining load stability through the extended support structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If additional load modules are added to increase load capacity, then load capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the load support function with the existing four-bar linkage structure by extending the lower cross member to serve dual purposes: maintaining the rolling mechanism and providing load support. This integration eliminates the need for separate load modules and reduces overall structural complexity while increasing load capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower cross member is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a structural element of the four-bar linkage, provides support for the load, and enables the vehicle to carry additional passengers or cargo. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If the lower cross member is extended beyond the front wheels to support load, then load capacity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload capacityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lower cross member into distinct portions: a first portion that forms part of the four-bar linkage structure and a second portion that extends beyond the front wheels for load support. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function and facilitates modular manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4351958B1Saddle riding rolling vehicle with loading surface integral with the lower cross member and housed between the front steered wheels
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 PIAGGIO & C SPA
  • EP4351958B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4351958B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4351958B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The motor vehicle comprises two front steering and rolling wheels (4, 4') and at least one rear rolling wheel (9). The motor vehicle comprises a roll four bar linkage (10) connected to a frame (2A-2B) and which supports the front steered wheels (4, 4'). A suspension group (71, 71') is interposed between the front wheels (4, 4') and the roll four bar linkage (10) to allow movement of the front wheels with respect to the roll four bar linkage (10). The roll four bar linkage (10) comprises: a lower cross member (11) and an upper cross member (12) hinged to the frame to pivot around first roll axes (101, 101'); and a right upright (21) and a left upright (21') hinged to the cross members (11, 12) so as to rotate around second roll axes (212, 212', 221, 221') parallel to the first roll axes (101, 101'). The lower cross member (11) extends along a longitudinal direction between the front wheels and beyond said front wheels to form a loading surface.