Adjustable Side Cowl Attachment for Motorcycle Wind Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing saddle riding type vehicles with side cowls do not consistently provide a sufficient wind-shielding effect, especially when the side visor is attached in a position further from the rider, as the distance between the visor and the rider remains unchanged, limiting the wind-shielding capability.

Innovation Solution

A saddle riding type vehicle design featuring a first side cowl and a second side cowl with multiple attachment states, where the second side cowl can be attached behind a position corresponding to the first attachment state, allowing its rear end to project further in the vehicle-widthwise direction in the second attachment state, thereby enhancing wind-shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the side visor is swung in the vehicle-widthwise direction to change attachment position, then the attachment position is changed, but the distance between the visor and rider remains substantially unchanged, resulting in insufficient wind-shielding effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment position adjustmentVSAvoidwind-shielding effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from adjusting the visor position only in the vehicle-widthwise direction (one dimension) to adjusting it in both the vehicle-widthwise direction and the vehicle-lengthwise direction (two dimensions). This is achieved by providing multiple attachment positions on the first side cowl, allowing the second side cowl to be attached not only at different lateral positions but also at different longitudinal positions, thereby enabling the rear end to project further and improve wind-shielding effectiveness.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the second side cowl is attached in the second position further from the side cowling, then the attachment position is changed, but the wind-shielding effect may not be sufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment state variationVSAvoidwind protection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic attachment system where the second side cowl can be attached in multiple states (first attachment state and second attachment state) at different positions on the first side cowl. This dynamic adjustability allows the user to select the appropriate attachment state based on wind-shielding requirements, rather than being fixed in a single position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds longitudinal position adjustment (vehicle-lengthwise direction) to the existing lateral position adjustment (vehicle-widthwise direction). By attaching the second side cowl at different longitudinal positions on the first side cowl, the rear end can project further in the vehicle-widthwise direction, thereby improving wind-shielding effectiveness while maintaining attachment versatility.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hinge mechanism is used to swing the side visor, then the side visor can be swung, but the design becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveside visor movementVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the attachment mechanism into discrete, separate attachment positions on the first side cowl rather than using a continuous hinge mechanism. The second side cowl is equipped with attachment means that can engage with multiple predetermined positions, segmenting the adjustment function into distinct, simple engagement points that eliminate the need for complex rotating hinges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical hinge system with a simpler attachment system based on engagement between attachment means and attachment positions. This substitution eliminates the rotating mechanical linkage of a hinge while achieving the same functional goal of adjustable positioning through a more straightforward engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2692617B1Saddle riding type vehicle
Publication Date: 2014.12.03 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2692617B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2692617B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2692617B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a saddle riding type vehicle provided with a first side cowl and a second side cowl having a plurality of attachment states to the first side cowl, a wind-shielding effect by the second side cowl is more easily obtained. A saddle riding type vehicle (10) includes a seat (34), a first side cowl (28), and a second side cowl (32). The first side cowl (28) is provided ahead of the seat (34) in a side view of the vehicle. The second side cowl (32) is attached to a surface of the first side cowl 28 through an attachment member. The second side cowl (32) has a plurality of attachment states. The plurality of attachment states include a first attachment state and a second attachment state. In the second attachment state, the second side cowl (32) is attached to the first side cowl (28) behind a position corresponding to the first attachment state. A length of a rear end of the second side cowl (32) projecting from a surface of the first side cowl (28) in the vehicle widthwise direction is larger in the second attachment state than in the first attachment state.