Tricycle Frame with Segmented Steering and Foldable Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adult tricycles suffer from instability during cornering due to centrifugal force, which can lead to tipping, and are bulky, making them difficult to transport and store, while recumbent designs are less practical for many users due to ergonomics and cargo limitations.
Innovation Solution
A three-wheeled human-powered vehicle with two steerable front wheels and a fixed rear wheel, featuring a 'T' or 'Y' shaped frame with independent steering forks and a foldable design, utilizing Ackermann Steering Geometry for improved traction and control, and compatible with off-the-shelf bicycle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional adult tricycles use a single front wheel and two rear wheels, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the vehicle becomes unstable during cornering due to centrifugal force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the front wheel assembly into two separate steerable front wheels instead of one single front wheel. Each front wheel has its own steering fork and can be independently controlled, allowing the vehicle to maintain stability during cornering by distributing the steering load and improving traction on uneven surfaces.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional adult tricycles use a standard frame design, then the vehicle is easy to manufacture, but the vehicle becomes bulky and difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a foldable frame design where the lateral extensions can be folded inward toward the centerline of the vehicle. This dynamic configuration allows the frame to transition between an extended riding position and a compact storage position, reducing the vehicle's volume for transport and storage while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional adult tricyles use a single front wheel, then the vehicle is compact, but the vehicle lacks improved steering control and traction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the front wheel function into two separate steerable front wheels, each with its own steering fork. This segmentation improves steering control by allowing independent wheel adjustment and provides better traction on uneven surfaces, while the overall vehicle size remains manageable due to the efficient use of space in the lateral extensions.
4Device complexity
If conventional adult tricycles use a fixed frame design, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot be easily folded for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed frame design into a dynamic foldable structure by adding hinge joints at the lateral extensions. This allows the frame to be folded inward for compact transport while maintaining the simplicity of the overall structure. The foldable design adds minimal complexity while significantly improving transportability and storage versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The preferred embodiments provide a frame for a one person three-wheeled human powered vehicle, the rear portion of which resembles an upright bicycle frame capable of supporting a fixed rear drive wheel substantially in alignment with the frame centerline. The frame has a left-side lateral extension and a right-side lateral extension, each of which includes a head tube at or near its outer end where front forks or steering posts can be secured. Each front fork or steering post can then hold one of two front steerable wheels. The frame is compatible with shock-absorbing suspension technology, which can be employed if desired.