Straddle Vehicle Foot Area Cover for Concealed Power Train Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Straddle type vehicles face difficulties in accessing power train components due to obstruction by the vehicle body cover, which can lead to reduced maintenance efficiency and aesthetic concerns from protruding oil filler ports.

Innovation Solution

A system with a foot area that includes a platform and a cover with an opening, allowing access to power train components without exposing them externally, using a detachable foot mat and support frame to maintain the foot area while allowing access to the oil filler port located near the opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the oil filler port is positioned to protrude from the vehicle body cover for easy access, then the ease of operation for adding oil is improved, but the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of access to oil filler portVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The oil filler port is nested within the vehicle body cover rather than protruding externally. The port is accessible through an opening in the foot area that is concealed by the cover during normal operation, allowing the filling mechanism to be hidden within the vehicle's aesthetic form while remaining accessible when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The foot area cover is designed to be movable, transitioning between a closed position that conceals the opening and maintains aesthetic appearance, and an open position that provides access to the oil filler port. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt between aesthetic and functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Shape

If the vehicle body cover completely encloses the power train for aesthetic purposes, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ease of access to power train components for maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidease of access to power train components

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle body cover is segmented to include a foot area with a movable cover portion. This segmentation allows the main body cover to remain intact for aesthetic purposes while a specific segment provides access to the power train components through the opening in the foot area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable cover in the foot area acts as an intermediary element between the enclosed power train and the external environment. It mediates between the aesthetic requirement for enclosure and the maintenance requirement for access, allowing controlled opening to components while maintaining overall enclosure for aesthetic purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If an opening is provided in the foot area for access to power train components, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to the exposed opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of maintenance accessVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cover portion in the foot area is designed to be movable, transitioning between a closed position that conceals the opening and maintains aesthetic appearance, and an open position that provides access to the oil filler port and other power train components. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt between aesthetic and functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Shape

If the oil filler port is concealed within the vehicle body cover, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the ease of access for adding oil deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidease of access to oil filler port

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The oil filler port is extracted from the traditional protruding position and relocated to a concealed position within the vehicle body cover. Access is provided through the movable cover in the foot area, separating the aesthetic form from the functional access requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7374192B2System for accessing components of a power train of a straddle type vehicle

Publication Date: 2008.05.20 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A system is provided that permits access to one or more components of the power train of a straddle type vehicle (or another internal component or components) without requiring such component to protrude from the body cover of the vehicle. The system can comprise a foot area that includes a foot platform for placing one's feet, an opening positioned above at least the component of the power train, and a cover for permitting the opening to be opened and closed. This system, for example, allows a user to access the oil filler port of the engine via the opening in the foot area in order to add oil to the engine of the vehicle. The system can also include a foot platform comprising a first level and a second level where the second level is located at a higher elevation relative to the first level.