Battery Case With Integrated Seat Hinge for Electric Motorcycles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accommodation space for batteries in electric straddle-type vehicles is limited due to the presence of a bridge pipe with a seat hinge portion, complicating the frame structure and hindering the increase in battery capacity and rigidity.

Innovation Solution

The seat hinge portion is integrated into the battery case, eliminating the need for a separate frame to support the hinge, thereby expanding the accommodation space and ensuring sufficient battery capacity while maintaining structural rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a bridge pipe with seat hinge portion is provided to support the seat, then the supporting rigidity of the seat hinge portion is ensured, but the accommodation space of the battery is narrowed and the frame structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupporting rigidity of seat hinge portionVSAvoidaccommodation space of battery
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The seat hinge portion is merged with the battery case into a single integrated structure. The battery case serves dual functions: accommodating the battery and supporting the seat hinge portion, thereby eliminating the need for a separate bridge pipe structure and maximizing the battery accommodation space while maintaining supporting rigidity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If the diameter of the bridge pipe is increased or a support pipe is provided to reinforce the bridge pipe, then the supporting rigidity of the bridge pipe is ensured, but the frame structure becomes complicated and the accommodation space of the battery is further narrowed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupporting rigidity of bridge pipeVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge pipe function is merged into the battery case structure. The battery case is designed with integrated reinforcement structures that provide the necessary supporting rigidity without requiring separate bridge pipes or support pipes, thereby simplifying the frame structure and maximizing battery space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery case is designed to perform multiple functions: it accommodates the battery, provides structural support, and integrates the seat hinge portion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated support structures, reducing overall frame complexity

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

Data Source

PatentEP4001074B1battery
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP
  • EP4001074B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4001074B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4001074B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An obj ect of the present invention is to provide that a battery capacity can be sufficiently ensured, and a supporting rigidity of a seat hinge portion is ensured. A battery (60) is installed below a seat (34) of an electric straddle-type vehicle (1). The battery (60) includes: the battery module (70) to which electric power for traveling is charged; and the battery case (61) accommodating the battery module (70), in which the seat hinge portion (65) that supports the seat (34) so as to be openable and closable is integrally formed in the battery case (61).