Front-Wheel Radar Layout for Three-Wheeled Motorcycles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of radar devices on the shield of three-wheeled motorcycles is hindered by limited space, leading to difficult design, reduced dimensions, and installation/inspection challenges, which affect performance and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

Positioning the radar device between the front wheels, allowing for larger dimensions and an unobstructed visual field, independent of the shield, while being connected to the frame or quadrilateral components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the radar device is installed on the shield, then the shield can define the aerodynamics of the motorcycle, but the space available for installing the radar device is very limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic designVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The radar device is extracted from the shield and repositioned to the space between the front wheels. This separation allows the shield to maintain its aerodynamic function without being constrained by radar installation requirements, while the radar device gains access to a larger installation space with better visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Area of stationary object

If the radar device dimensions are reduced to fit limited space, then installation becomes possible, but the overall performance of the device deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidradar performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The radar device is relocated from the two-dimensional surface of the shield to the three-dimensional space between the front wheels. This spatial relocation provides additional installation volume, enabling the radar device to maintain larger dimensions and better performance characteristics.

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

3Device complexity

If the radar device is positioned on the shield, then it can be integrated with the front structure, but the design difficulty increases due to space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrationVSAvoiddesign difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The radar device is extracted from the shield structure, eliminating the need to compromise shield design for radar accommodation. This separation simplifies both the shield's aerodynamic design and the radar's mounting requirements, reducing overall design complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Area of stationary object

If the radar device is made smaller to fit available space, then installation is feasible, but inspection and maintenance become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidinspection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Relocating the radar device to the space between the front wheels provides greater three-dimensional access from multiple directions. This improved accessibility facilitates easier visual inspection, diagnostic work, and maintenance activities compared to the constrained shield mounting position.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4514678B1Three-wheeled motorcycle with a radar device placed between the front wheels
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 PIAGGIO & C SPA
  • EP4514678B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4514678B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4514678B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type motorcycle (1) comprising at least two front steerable and rolling wheels (4) and at least one rear drive wheel, wherein said motorcycle (1) further comprises a main frame supporting a power assembly, said frame comprising a frame front part configuring a steering axis (110). The motorcycle according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a radar device (5) arranged between said front wheels (4), considering said motorcycle (1) from a front observation point, and below a plane tangent (Pio) to said front wheels (4) considering said motorcycle (1) in a straight wheel condition.