Battery Case Positioning for Saddled Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing layout of saddled vehicles, particularly motorcycles, faces challenges in effectively utilizing the space between the right and left vehicle body frames due to the placement of the fuel tank and other components, which limits the freedom in battery case placement.

Innovation Solution

The battery case is positioned between the head pipe and the fuel tank, with the fuel tank and battery case partially overlapping, and the battery case is stored in a recessed portion of the fuel tank, optimizing the shape to minimize fuel tank capacity reduction and increase front wheel load ratio, while ensuring protection and maintainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the battery case is disposed between the right and left frame pipes, then the battery can be supported in a compact layout, but the degree of freedom in layout is reduced due to the presence of electric components such as ECU and ignition coil in that space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery case positioningVSAvoidlayout freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The battery case is positioned in the longitudinal dimension (front-rear direction) between the head pipe and fuel tank, rather than being constrained to the lateral space between frame pipes. This dimensional shift allows the battery case to occupy unused longitudinal space without interfering with laterally positioned electric components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The battery case is nested within the space defined by the vehicle body frame structure, specifically utilizing the recessed portion of the fuel tank and the space between the head pipe and fuel tank. This nesting approach allows efficient space utilization within the existing structural constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Force

If the battery case is positioned between the head pipe and fuel tank with overlapping disposition, then the battery case can be disposed nearer the front side increasing front wheel load ratio, but the fuel tank capacity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefront wheel load ratioVSAvoidfuel tank capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel tank is designed with a recessed portion at its front end that specifically accommodates the battery case. This localized modification allows the battery case to be positioned in the overlapping region without significantly reducing the overall fuel tank capacity, as the recessed portion is strategically located where it minimizes fuel storage impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The battery case and fuel tank are arranged to partially overlap in the lateral direction while maintaining distinct longitudinal positioning. The battery case is stored in the recessed portion of the fuel tank, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that allows both components to coexist with minimal mutual interference.

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

3Length of moving object

If the fuel tank and battery case are disposed to partially overlap, then the longitudinal dimension can be shortened, but the shape complexity of the fuel tank increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelongitudinal dimensionVSAvoidfuel tank shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The battery case is nested within the recessed portion of the fuel tank, allowing the two components to occupy overlapping space. This nesting arrangement shortens the overall longitudinal dimension of the vehicle body while the fuel tank's shape complexity is managed by concentrating the modification to a specific recessed region rather than redesigning the entire tank.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel tank shape is modified locally by creating a recessed portion at the front end, rather than changing the overall tank geometry. This localized shape modification achieves the space-saving overlap arrangement while minimizing the increase in overall shape complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the battery case is positioned in the recessed portion of the fuel tank, then the right and left of the battery case can be protected by the fuel tank, but access to the battery case becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from water ingressVSAvoidaccess to battery case
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tank cover is segmented into a main cover portion and a detachable maintenance lid. The maintenance lid can be removed independently to provide access to the battery case, while the main cover remains in place to maintain the protective enclosure and prevent water ingress to both the fuel tank and battery case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The maintenance lid acts as an intermediary access point between the external environment and the battery case. It provides a controlled opening that allows maintenance personnel to access the battery case without compromising the overall protective sealing of the fuel tank and battery case assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3511235B1Battery case for saddled vehicles
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3511235B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3511235B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3511235B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a battery case for saddled vehicles configured to effectively utilize a space between right and left vehicle body frames. According to the present invention, in a battery case (70) mounted in a saddled vehicle (1) including a pair of right and left main frames (2a) extending rearward and downward from a head pipe (9) and a fuel tank (3) positioned behind the head pipe (9) and above the main frames (2a), in which at least a battery (B) is stored, the battery case (70) is arranged between the head pipe (9) and the fuel tank (3), and the fuel tank (3) and the battery case (70) are disposed to partially overlap with each other in a side view of a vehicle body. A rear portion of the battery case (70) is stored in a recessed portion (3b) formed in a front portion of the fuel tank (3) in the center in a vehicle width direction. The battery case (70) includes a case portion (72) for storing a battery (B), and a cover portion (71) for covering an upper opening of the case portion (72), and the case portion (72) and the cover portion (71) are configured to partially overlap with each other in the side view of the vehicle body.