Engine Upper Structure Layout for Narrower Saddle Riding Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing engine upper-portion structure of saddle riding vehicles with an actuator for controlling a hydraulic clutch increases vehicle width, and there is a need to prevent this expansion while maintaining effective actuator functionality.

Innovation Solution

The actuator chamber is positioned on the upper surface of the cylinder block posterior to the cylinder head and anterior to the crankcase, with a breather chamber adjacent to it, both sealed by a single lid member, and a thermostat system integrated with the coolant path to manage temperature and reduce part count.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the actuator chamber is disposed on the engine side surface, then the actuator can control the hydraulic clutch, but the vehicle width increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic clutch controlVSAvoidvehicle width

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator chamber is relocated from a lateral position on the engine side surface to a longitudinal position on the upper surface of the cylinder block, between the cylinder head and crankcase. This dimensional repositioning moves the actuator chamber from the vehicle width direction to the vehicle longitudinal direction, maintaining hydraulic clutch control functionality while preventing vehicle width expansion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple chambers (actuator chamber and breather chamber) are separated, then each chamber can be independently designed, but the number of parts and machining increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechamber design flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator chamber and breather chamber are merged into a single integrated chamber structure on the upper surface of the cylinder block. Both chambers share common boundaries with the cylinder block and are sealed by a single engine cover, reducing the number of separate parts and machining operations while maintaining independent functional characteristics of each chamber

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of repair

If the thermostat case is separate from the engine cover, then the thermostat can be independently serviced, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermostat servicingVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermostat case is integrated with the engine cover into a single unified component. The engine cover simultaneously serves as the seal for the actuator/breather chambers and as the thermostat case housing, eliminating a separate part while maintaining thermostat accessibility for servicing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 prevents vehicle width expansion, reduces the impact of flying debris on the actuator chamber, minimizes machining and part requirements, and effectively cools the engine while maintaining efficient hydraulic clutch control.

Implementation Method 1

a breather chamber (198, 206) disposed on an upper surface of the crankcase (44) or an upper surface of the cylinder block (51, 51A), the breather chamber (198, 206) performing gas-liquid separation of breathing air in the crankcase (44)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas-liquid separation: Cyclone Separation

Implementation Method 2

a thermostat (95) and a thermostat case (94) are disposed midway in a water path of the coolant, the thermostat (95) changing the water path of the coolant depending on a temperature of the coolant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

the cylinder block (51, 51A) and/or the cylinder head (52) are cooled by a coolant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 4

a connecting water path (199, 207) is disposed adjacent to the breather chamber (198, 206), the connecting water path (199, 207) connecting a water path in the cylinder block (51) and/or the cylinder head (52) with the thermostat case (94)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS10961905B2Engine upper-portion structure of saddle riding vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.03.30 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

In an engine, a cylinder block and a cylinder head are connected with a crankcase in a forwardly inclined posture. A dual clutch connects or disconnects a transmission path of power of the engine to a transmission. An actuator chamber houses an actuator that controls a hydraulic pressure of the dual clutch. The actuator chamber is disposed on an upper surface of the cylinder block at a position posterior to the cylinder head and anterior to the crankcase in a vehicle longitudinal direction.