Accessory Socket Layout for Compact Saddle-Ride Vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional accessory socket layout structures for saddle-ride type vehicles are difficult to compact due to the protrusion of the main body on the rear side, making it challenging to reduce the vehicle's size.

Innovation Solution

The accessory socket is positioned on the side wall of the housing box between the housing box and the body cover, with the power supply port located inside the housing box, allowing the main body to be placed between these components and utilizing space effectively for compaction, while also being protected by a body frame and step for the occupant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the accessory socket main body is protruded on the rear side of the vehicle, then the accessory socket can be provided with adequate space, but the vehicle becomes difficult to compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessory socket installation spaceVSAvoidvehicle size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory socket main body is repositioned from a rear-side protrusion (one-dimensional extension) to a space between the housing box and body cover (utilizing three-dimensional space in multiple directions). This dimensional shift allows the socket to be installed without increasing the vehicle's overall length, thereby compacting the vehicle while providing adequate installation space.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory socket main body is nested within the existing structural space between the housing box and body cover, rather than protruding outward. This nesting approach allows the socket to be accommodated within the vehicle's existing envelope, avoiding additional volume while providing sufficient installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the accessory socket is provided on the side wall of the housing box, then the vehicle can be compacted, but the accessory socket requires protection from external damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle sizeVSAvoidaccessory socket vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The body frame and step for the occupant are positioned to provide preemptive protection to the accessory socket main body. These structural elements act as cushioning barriers that absorb or deflect external forces before they can reach the vulnerable socket, thereby protecting it from damage while maintaining the compact side-wall installation configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The body frame and step for the occupant serve as intermediary protective elements between external harmful factors and the accessory socket. These intermediaries absorb impact forces and prevent direct contact with the socket, protecting it from damage while allowing the socket to remain in its compact side-wall position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the power supply port is arranged inside the housing box, then the accessory socket can be compacted, but accessories may be forgotten or lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessory socket sizeVSAvoidaccessory accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply port is pre-positioned inside the housing box in a location that corresponds to where the occupant naturally places accessories when entering or exiting the vehicle. This preliminary positioning ensures that accessories are immediately visible and accessible during routine operations, preventing them from being forgotten or lost while maintaining the compact internal arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply port may be designed with visual indicators or contrasting colors that make it easily distinguishable from surrounding structures. This visual enhancement ensures that even though the port is located inside the housing box, occupants can quickly locate and access it without difficulty, maintaining ease of operation despite the compact internal positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

4Ease of operation

If the accessory socket is positioned on the side wall opposite the kickstand, then easy access is provided when parked, but the housing box must be designed with specific spatial arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessory socket accessibilityVSAvoidhousing box layout
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory socket is deliberately positioned on the side wall opposite the kickstand, creating an asymmetric layout that optimizes accessibility when the vehicle is parked on its kickstand. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the socket is easily accessible to the occupant without requiring complex internal reconfiguration, as the positioning leverages the natural geometry of the parked vehicle configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The housing box is designed with a universal spatial arrangement that accommodates both the kickstand mechanism and the accessory socket positioning. The box's internal structure is configured to serve multiple functions: supporting the kickstand, housing the accessory socket in an accessible position, and maintaining overall vehicle compactness. This multi-functional design reduces complexity by integrating multiple requirements into a single cohesive layout.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2769902B1Accessory socket layout structure of saddle-ride type vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2769902B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2769902B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2769902B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To provide accessory socket layout structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle where the vehicle can be compacted, providing an accessory socket. [Solution] In accessory socket layout structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle provided with a housing box 22 which is provided under a seat for an occupant, which is provided with a front wall part 81, a rear wall part 84, a pair of left and right side wall parts 82, 83 and a bottom wall part 80 and an upper part of which is closed by the seat, a body side cover 62 that covers the housing box from the outside in a direction of vehicle width and a power supply socket 130 which is provided with a power supply port 132 and a main body 131 and which is provided to the housing box 22, the power supply socket 130 is provided to the side wall part 83 of the housing box 22, the main body 131 is provided between the housing box 22 and the body side cover 62, and the power supply port 132 is arranged in the housing box 22.