Saddle-ride Vehicle Engine Guard Curvature Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing saddle-ride-type vehicle engine guards lack enhanced rigidity and often interfere with obstacles due to their flat plate shape and exposed lower frames, which can lead to increased weight and cost, as well as ground clearance issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body lower portion protective member is designed with a frame protective portion and an engine protective portion, disposed with a step between them, and integrated with a cross frame for increased rigidity and protection, while maintaining minimal ground clearance by avoiding projections and using recessed fixing portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the plate thickness of the engine guard is increased to enhance rigidity, then the rigidity of the engine guard is improved, but the weight and cost of the engine guard increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engine guard employs a curved lower surface design instead of a flat plate structure. This curvature creates a more rigid structural form that resists deformation without requiring increased material thickness, thereby maintaining lightweight construction while achieving enhanced rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat plate structure to a three-dimensional curved structure by forming the lower surface with specific curvature. This dimensional change adds structural complexity that significantly improves rigidity without proportionally increasing weight
2Strength
If the plate thickness of the engine guard is increased to enhance rigidity, then the rigidity of the engine guard is improved, but the cost of the engine guard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved lower surface design provides enhanced rigidity through geometric form rather than material quantity. This approach reduces material consumption and manufacturing cost compared to thickening the plate, while achieving the same or better structural performance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the engine guard by introducing curvature to the lower surface. This parameter modification optimizes the strength-to-cost ratio by achieving improved rigidity through design rather than material addition
3Device complexity
If the lower frames are exposed in the structure where the engine guard is disposed between left and right lower frames, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the lower frames are likely to interfere with stones or projections on ground
Solution Approach 1:
The curved lower surface of the engine guard acts as a protective shield that extends downward to cover the lower frames. This curvature allows the protective surface to follow the contour of the frames while providing continuous coverage that prevents obstacle interference without adding complex protective structures
4Object-affected harmful factors
If projections are added to the engine guard to enhance protection, then the protective capability is improved, but the ground clearance is reduced and interference with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved lower surface design provides extended protective coverage without creating sharp projections. The gradual curvature maintains a smooth profile that protects underlying components while clearing obstacles, eliminating the need for protruding protective elements that would reduce ground clearance
Data Source
AI summary
A saddle-ride-type vehicle includes a vehicle body lower portion protective member for increasing the rigidity thereof and for protecting a vehicle body frame. A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a head pipe and a pair of left and right lower frames extending from the head pipe for supporting an engine. An engine guard extends from an area in front of the engine to an area below the engine. The engine guard includes an engine protective portion for covering the engine and a frame protective portion for protecting the lower frame. The engine protective portion and the frame protective portion are disposed with a step formed therebetween.