Compact W-Engine Motorcycle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motorcycle engines face challenges with space and weight constraints, particularly with multi-cylinder arrangements, leading to inefficiencies in power transmission, increased maintenance, and compromised aerodynamics and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
The use of a V-inline or W arrangement of cylinders with a transverse crankshaft allows for a compact motor design, enabling more cylinders and swept volumes with reduced structural dimensions and weight, improving aerodynamics and maneuverability, and incorporating a monobloc construction for a space- and weight-saving unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional multi-cylinder arrangements (boxer, V, in-line) are used, then the number of cylinders and swept volume can be increased, but the structural breadth and length become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a tilted V-inline arrangement where the cylinder banks are inclined at a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the crankshaft axis, rather than being arranged in traditional horizontal V or in-line configurations. This dimensional reorientation allows the engine to achieve compactness in both breadth and length by utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently, resolving the contradiction between increasing cylinder count and maintaining compact dimensions.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional multi-cylinder arrangements are used, then the number of cylinders and swept volume can be increased, but the structural length becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
By tilting the V-inline cylinder banks at a specific angle relative to the crankshaft axis, the patent redistributes the engine's dimensional footprint. The tilted arrangement projects the cylinder banks in a direction that minimizes the overall length while maintaining the necessary space for multiple cylinders, thus resolving the contradiction between increasing cylinder count and maintaining compact length.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple cylinder heads are used in boxer or V motors, then the number of cylinders can be increased, but the dimensions and weight become excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single cylinder head that serves multiple tilted cylinder banks in the V-inline arrangement. This merged configuration consolidates the valve train, combustion chambers, and cooling passages into one integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate cylinder heads for each bank. This significantly reduces the overall weight and complexity while maintaining the capability to accommodate multiple cylinders, thus resolving the contradiction between increasing cylinder count and maintaining acceptable weight.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a motorcycle comprising a space-saving, lightweight motor assembly. The use of a compact W or VR-type internal combustion engine permits the motorcycle to have reduced dimensions and a low weight. Internal combustion engines comprising six to twelve cylinders can thus be used for motorcycles. The compact dimensions of the motor enable the production of motorcycles with sleek lines and an advantageous aerodynamic shape.