Cover Support Unit for Straddle Vehicle Stowage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tilting vehicles face difficulties in manually transferring the covering means from a closed to a release position, especially when the operator has only one hand available, leading to cumbersome operation.
Innovation Solution
A support unit comprising a damper element and a spring element, integrated with a frame means that can be fixed to the storage compartment, facilitates easy manual operation by providing a support force and automatic transfer between positions, and includes a sealing element for full circumference coverage to prevent dirt and moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a storage compartment with a cover is provided on a tilting vehicle, then storage functionality is improved, but manual operation becomes cumbersome especially when the operator has only one hand free
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit with spring element and damping element enables the cover to move automatically between closed and released positions without requiring manual effort. The spring element provides the force to move the cover, while the damping element controls the movement speed, making the system self-operating and eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cover and the storage compartment. It includes a support element (spring) and a damping element that work together to facilitate the cover's movement. The damping element specifically mediates the transfer of movement between positions, controlling the speed and reducing wear on guide elements.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is moved manually from closed to released position, then access to storage compartment is enabled, but wear on guide elements such as rails, joints, or hinges increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit with spring element and damping element enables the cover to move automatically between closed and released positions without requiring manual effort. The spring element provides the force to move the cover, while the damping element controls the movement speed, making the system self-operating and eliminating the need for manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element provides beforehand cushioning by controlling the speed of cover movement before it reaches the end positions. This prevents impact loads and reduces wear on guide elements such as rails, joints, and hinges, thereby extending their service life and improving reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sealing element extends completely between the cover and storage compartment, then protection against dirt and moisture ingress is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is implemented as a flexible membrane or film that can extend completely between the cover and storage compartment. This flexible sealing solution provides effective protection against dirt and moisture ingress while being relatively simple to manufacture and install, as flexible membranes can be produced using standard manufacturing techniques.
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
The solution simplifies one-handed operation of the storage compartment cover, reduces wear on guide elements, and allows for automatic transfer between positions, enhancing usability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
the support unit comprises at least one damping element and at least one spring element... Because the support unit includes a damping element, a supporting force is applied to counteract the movement of the cover from the closed to the open position. This slows down the movement of the cover.
Implementation Method 2
Because the support unit includes a spring element, the cover can be pre-tensioned into either the closed or the released position... the cover automatically moves from the released position to the closed position when manual operation of the cover is completed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a leaning vehicle (2) comprising at least one stowage compartment (4), which can be arranged in or on a vehicle housing (6) and which comprises at least one cavity (8) and at least one opening (10) that makes the cavity (8) accessible from the outside, and comprising at least one cover means (12), which covers at least virtually the entirety of the opening (10) of the stowage compartment (4) in a closed position and outwardly releases the opening (10) in a release position. The invention is characterized by at least one support unit (14), by means of which the conversion of the cover means (12) from the closed position to the release position and/or vice versa can be at least supported by means of a supporting force.