Clutch Control Apparatus Positioning for Compact Motorcycle Engine Cooling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing saddle-ride type vehicle designs face challenges in maintaining a compact engine length while ensuring effective cooling of the clutch control apparatus, as traditional clutch control apparatus placements either elongate the vehicle or obstruct airflow, leading to inadequate cooling.
Innovation Solution
The clutch control apparatus is positioned on the outer surface of the clutch cover with a protruding portion, closer to the center, allowing for reduced lateral protrusion and improved airflow, with oil channels integrated into the clutch cover for simplified maintenance and efficient cooling, and the clutch control device is mounted on the engine body in a way that enhances airflow and reduces the overall engine size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the clutch control apparatus is disposed in the rear part of the engine main body, then the clutch control apparatus can be easily accessed for maintenance, but the engine main body becomes longer in the front-and-rear direction
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch control apparatus is relocated from the rear part of the engine main body to the side surface of the engine main body. This spatial repositioning changes the arrangement dimension from longitudinal (front-and-rear) to lateral (side), thereby shortening the engine main body length in the front-and-rear direction while maintaining accessibility for maintenance operations.
2Length of moving object
If the clutch control apparatus is disposed on the vehicle-body frame, then the engine main body length is reduced, but the clutch control apparatus has difficulty receiving travelling air for cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch control apparatus is positioned on the side surface of the engine main body at a location that is exposed to travelling air flow. This localized positioning ensures that the clutch control apparatus receives sufficient cooling air from the front, improving its thermal management while keeping the engine main body compact.
3Length of moving object
If the clutch control apparatus is surrounded by frame members and component parts, then the engine main body remains compact, but airflow to the clutch control apparatus is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch control apparatus is extracted from the enclosed space surrounded by frame members and component parts, and repositioned on the side surface of the engine main body. This extraction removes the airflow blocking obstacles, allowing travelling air to directly reach the clutch control apparatus for effective cooling, while the engine main body remains compact.
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
This configuration minimizes engine length, enhances cooling performance, and simplifies maintenance by allowing better airflow to the clutch control apparatus and integrating oil channels for efficient hydraulic pressure control, resulting in a more compact and efficient power unit.
Implementation Method 1
the clutch control apparatus is disposed on the side surface of an engine main body... the clutch control apparatus can receive the travelling air more efficiently and thus achieve higher cooling performance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention proposes a structure for disposing a clutch control apparatus in a power unit for a saddle-ride type vehicle, comprising: an engine (E) comprising an engine main body (33); a crankcase (35) forming a part of the engine main body (33); a crankshaft (36) rotatably supported by the crankcase (35) ; a clutch cover (92) coupled to a side surface of the crankcase (35) ; a clutch apparatus (102) disposed in the power transmission path from the crankshaft (36) to the drive wheel (WR) so as to engage and to disengage the transmission of torque of the crankshaft (36) to a drive wheel (WR) ; a clutch chamber (91) in which the clutch apparatus (102) is installed and which is formed between the crankcase (35) and the clutch cover (92) ; a cylinder block (38F) also forming a part of the engine main body (33) together with the crankcase (35) and coupled to the crankcase (35); a cylinder bore (42) included in the cylinder block (38F); a piston (43) slidably fitted into the cylinder bore (42) and linked to the crankshaft (36) ; and a clutch control apparatus (220) which controls the switching of the connection and disconnection actions of the clutch apparatus (102) and which is attached to the outer surface of the clutch cover (92) in a position at a side of the cylinder block (38F).