Electric Motorcycle Control Unit Front Fork Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing straddle-type electric vehicles face challenges in simplifying the process of laying electric wires and increasing costs due to the long distances between the operation members on the steering handle and the control unit, necessitating lengthy and costly wiring.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle control unit is strategically positioned between the right and left suspensions of the front fork, with the motor driving unit located below the battery, allowing for a shorter electric wire connection and improved stability, and the control unit is supported by the front fork to maintain a consistent distance with the steering handle, facilitating easier wire management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the control unit is disposed in the case storing the inverter, then the electric components can be put together within a smaller area, but a long electric wire is necessary for connecting the operation members and the control unit when the control unit is located in the case storing the inverter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea for electric componentsVSAvoidelectric wire length
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is relocated from the inverter case (rear area) to the front fork area (front dimension), changing its spatial position along the front-rear axis. This dimensional relocation reduces the distance to operation members on the steering handle, shortening the electric wire length while maintaining compact component arrangement.

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

2Length of moving object

If the control unit is positioned closer to the steering handle, then the electric wire length is reduced, but the stability of the control unit may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric wire lengthVSAvoidcontrol unit stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The front fork is divided into right and left suspensions, and the control unit is positioned between them, allowing it to be supported by both sides. This segmentation of the support structure provides stable mounting for the control unit in the front area, reducing wire length while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of moving object

If the control unit is supported by the front fork, then the distance between the operation member and the control unit remains unchanged when the steering handle turns, but additional support structure is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric wire lengthVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The front fork, which already serves as a structural support for the steering handle and wheel assembly, is additionally used to support the control unit. This multi-functional use of the front fork provides stable mounting for the control unit without adding separate support structures, reducing wire length while avoiding increased device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3147192B1Straddle-type electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3147192B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3147192B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3147192B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electric motorcycle (1) comprises a vehicle control unit (41) for outputting an instruction value on the basis of an operation amount of at least an accelerator grip, and a motor driving unit (42) for supplying a driving electric power in accordance with the instruction value to an electric motor (6). The vehicle control unit (41) is disposed outside a case (9) that has the motor driving unit (42) disposed therein. The distance from the handlebar or steering handle (30) to the vehicle control unit (41) is shorter than the distance from the steering handle to the motor driving unit (42) in a side view of the vehicle body. According to this electric motorcycle (1), it is possible to simplify the work in laying an electric wire and to prevent increase of the cost for the electric wire.