Top Bridge Storage Recess for Steering Stem Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing saddled vehicle designs lack protection for the steering stem at the point of fixation to the top bridge, compromising durability and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a top bridge with a through hole and storage recess for the steering stem and fastening member, featuring a drainage hole that connects to a retaining recess, enhancing protection, rigidity, and water drainage, while using a pin-like locking member for weight reduction and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the steering stem upper end is fixed to the top bridge with a nut that protrudes upward, then the fastening is simple and easy to manufacture, but the part around the nut is not protected and the appearance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The storage recess is formed within the top bridge structure, nesting the steering stem upper end and fastening member inside the top bridge body. This nested configuration protects the steering stem from external damage while maintaining the fastening function, resolving the contradiction between protection and manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage hole is formed in the vehicle width direction (lateral dimension) rather than in the vertical or longitudinal directions. This dimensional change allows water to be discharged laterally from the storage recess without compromising the protective enclosure, solving the contradiction between protection and water drainage.
2Reliability
If the storage recess is sealed to protect the steering stem, then protection is improved, but water accumulates in the storage recess reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The storage recess is designed with an open upper face rather than a sealed cover, creating a flexible opening that allows water to enter and exit. This open configuration prevents water accumulation while still providing protection from lateral damage, resolving the contradiction between protection and water drainage.
Solution Approach 2:
The drainage hole acts as an intermediary channel between the storage recess interior and the external environment. It mediates water flow by providing a controlled passage for water to exit the storage recess, preventing accumulation while maintaining the protective function of the recess.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the drainage hole is positioned to effectively drain water, then water management is improved, but the structural rigidity of the top bridge may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The top bridge structure is segmented into functional zones: the storage recess for protection, the drainage hole for water management, and the surrounding structural material for rigidity. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function without compromising the overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between drainage effectiveness and rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The top bridge exhibits local quality differentiation where the storage recess area provides protection and drainage functions, while the surrounding and connecting areas maintain structural rigidity. The drainage hole is localized to a specific position that balances drainage effectiveness with minimal impact on overall structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A saddled vehicle includes a steering stem inserted into a center part of a top bridge and having an upper end to be fixed to the top bridge with a fastening member. The saddled vehicle includes a handle locking device placed behind the top bridge in the vehicle front-rear direction. The handle locking device has a locking member and the top bridge includes a retaining recess on the rear face for detachable engagement with the locking member. The center part of the top bridge has a through hole for penetration of the steering stem and a storage recess that stores the upper end of the steering stem and the fastening member and is open toward the upper face of the top bridge. The storage recess continues to the upper part of the through hole while having a bottom that faces upward and is located between the through hole and the wall of the storage recess. The top bridge has a drainage hole connecting the storage recess and the retaining recess.