Two-Wheeler Steering Restoring Moment Mechanism for Low-Speed Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Two-wheeled vehicles experience instability at low speeds, leading to tilting front wheels and handlebars, which can result in dangerous riding conditions and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus providing a restoring moment for the steering mechanism, including a mounting device, coupling device, energy storing device, and force transmitting device, which work together to stabilize the fork shaft or handlebar, allowing for a neutral position and immediate response to steering angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If no restoring moment is provided, then the steering mechanism has simple structure and easy operation, but the vehicle experiences instability at low speeds and the front wheel tends to tilt to the side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a restoring moment apparatus as an intermediary component between the fork shaft and the frame. This apparatus includes a mounting device connected to the frame, a coupling device connected to the fork shaft, and a restoring moment generator (such as a spring mechanism) that provides the necessary stabilizing force. The intermediary device generates a restoring moment proportional to the steering angle, which actively counteracts the instability without requiring complete redesign of the steering mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the steering system by introducing a restoring moment that varies with the steering angle. The restoring moment generator (e.g., spring with specific stiffness coefficient) modifies the force characteristics of the steering mechanism, creating a parameter-dependent stabilizing effect that increases with steering angle deviation from the neutral position.
2Ease of operation
If the front wheel is raised for parking or transport, then the vehicle is easier to handle, but the front wheel may tilt to the side and cause damage or impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The restoring moment apparatus applies a preliminary stabilizing force to the fork shaft before the front wheel can tilt to the side during raising operations. When the vehicle is lifted or parked, the restoring moment continuously acts on the steering mechanism, preventing the front wheel from developing excessive tilt angles that would lead to damage or handling impairment. This preliminary anti-action ensures the front wheel remains relatively stable throughout the raising operation.
3Reliability
If a restoring moment is provided to stabilize the steering mechanism, then running stability improves, but the device complexity and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steering stabilization function into distinct modular components: a mounting device for frame attachment, a coupling device for fork shaft connection, and a restoring moment generator. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier installation, maintenance, and adjustment. The modular structure reduces overall system complexity compared to a fully integrated design while maintaining the necessary stabilizing function.
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
Improves the running stability and handling of two-wheeled vehicles by preventing front wheel deflection and enabling adjustments to steering geometry without compromising stability.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storing device (30) for storing a restoring force
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus provides a restoring moment for a two-wheeler steering mechanism. A mounting device mounts the apparatus on a two-wheeler frame. A coupling device couples the apparatus with a fork shaft, and has a rotational axis. An energy storing device stores a restoring force. A force transmitting device transmits steering force to the energy storing device. The force transmitting device has a force transmitting point that is eccentric to the rotational axis, and forms a force action line through the eccentric force transmitting point and an application point of the force transmitting device on the energy storing device for transmitting the steering force to the energy storing device. In a neutral position of the apparatus, the force action line and a straight line running through the rotational axis and the application point enclose an angle. A two-wheeler frame, a two-wheeler steering and a two-wheeled vehicle are also provided.