Tilting Structure for Mobility Devices Using Steering-Integrated Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobility devices with high centers of gravity, such as 3-wheel or 4-wheel vehicles, are prone to rollover during turns due to their light vehicle body, necessitating a structure that can tilt wheels for improved stability without increasing weight or manufacturing cost through separate actuators.
Innovation Solution
A tilting structure for mobility devices that includes a base frame, tilting bar, connection links, shock-absorbing members, and a steering system, allowing for intuitive tilting without an external actuator, integrated with the suspension system to maintain normal operation and separate control of tilting and steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate actuator is used to tilt wheels during turning, then driving stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tilting function with the existing steering system by integrating connection links that connect the steering knuckle to the tilting bar. When the steering knuckle rotates during turning, the connection links automatically transmit this motion to tilt the wheel assembly, eliminating the need for a separate actuator while maintaining driving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection links serve multiple functions: they connect the steering knuckle to the tilting bar, transmit rotational motion from steering to tilting, and enable the wheel assembly to perform both steering and tilting operations. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while achieving the desired driving stability.
2Reliability
If a separate actuator is used to tilt wheels, then driving stability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting function is combined with the existing steering mechanism, using the same connection links and structural components already present in the vehicle. This eliminates the need for additional actuators and reduces overall vehicle weight while still providing the necessary tilting capability for improved driving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system itself provides the tilting function through its existing components. The connection links automatically convert the rotational motion of the steering knuckle into tilting motion of the wheel assembly, allowing the system to serve itself without requiring external actuators, thereby reducing weight.
3Reliability
If a separate actuator is used for tilting, then driving stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tilting function with the existing steering system components, utilizing the same connection links, steering knuckles, and structural framework. This integration eliminates the need for separate actuators and reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while achieving improved driving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing steering components are designed to perform multiple functions, including both steering and tilting operations. The connection links serve dual purposes by connecting the steering knuckle to the tilting bar and automatically transmitting motion between them. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing processes.
4Device complexity
If the tilting structure is integrated with the suspension system, then space is saved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control functions by providing separate operational inputs for tilting and steering. The driver can independently control the tilting bar for banking turns while the steering wheel controls the directional orientation. This segmentation maintains ease of operation despite the integrated structure, as each function has its own control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated structure allows dynamic interaction between tilting and steering operations. The connection links enable the system to adaptively coordinate tilting and steering motions based on driving conditions, while the separate control inputs maintain operational simplicity. The system dynamically adjusts the relationship between steering angle and tilting angle to optimize performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a tilting structure of a mobility device, the tilting structure including: a base frame; a tilting bar coupled to the base frame to be able to rotate in two side directions on a rotational center fixed to the base frame; front wheels having a rotary shaft fixed to steering knuckles vertically extending; first connection links each having a first end rotatably coupled to the steering knuckle and a second end rotatably coupled to the base frame; second connection links each having a first end rotatably coupled to the steering knuckle at a position spaced over or under the coupling position of the first connection link and a second end rotatably coupled at a position spaced apart from the rotational center of the tilting bar; and shock-absorbing members each having a first end fixed to the base frame and a second end connected to the steering knuckle, the first connection link, or the second connection link.