FRP Motorcycle Frame Support Structure for Stiffness and Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current frame support structures in motorcycles and scooters are insufficiently stiff, limiting repair accessibility and installation space, and are weight-intensive due to steel construction, which hampers handling and servicing.
Innovation Solution
A frame support structure formed from fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) elements, specifically Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) with sandwich or honeycomb constructions, and recycled CFRP molded materials, which provide enhanced stiffness and reduced weight, along with multiple-walled configurations and flow-through openings for aerodynamic and cooling effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a steel frame is used for the frame support structure, then the structural strength and stiffness are sufficient, but the weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by using fiber-reinforced plastic (specifically CFRP - carbon fiber reinforced plastic) for the frame support structure instead of traditional steel. The composite material provides comparable or superior strength-to-weight ratio, reducing frame weight while maintaining structural strength. The fiber reinforcement within the plastic matrix delivers high tensile strength comparable to steel, but with significantly lower density.
2Strength
If traditional steel frame construction is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but installation space for components is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The frame support structure is segmented into multiple independent components including head yoke, front fork bridge, rear fork bridge, and seat tube, all made from fiber-reinforced plastic. This segmentation allows for optimized spatial arrangement and easier integration of engine and other components, creating more installation space while maintaining overall structural integrity through the composite material properties.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed steel frame is used, then structural stability is ensured, but accessibility to engine and transmission assemblies is impaired during servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into separable segments that can be independently removed or accessed. This segmentation enables mechanics to access engine and transmission assemblies more easily during servicing by removing specific frame sections without compromising the overall stability of the remaining structure, as each segment is designed to maintain structural integrity when connected.
4Shape
If fairing parts are attached to the frame for design purposes, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the competition for installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame support structure and body fairing parts are merged into a unified fiber-reinforced plastic construction. Instead of attaching separate fairing parts to a steel frame, the entire assembly is formed as an integrated composite structure, eliminating the space competition between frame and fairings while maintaining aesthetic design quality and structural strength.
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 offers a lighter, more accessible, and stiffer frame support structure that optimizes installation space while maintaining structural integrity, improving handling and servicing accessibility, and providing aerodynamic benefits through cooling and heat management.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one supporting cladding part is formed from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP). Here, a sandwich construction, in particular, is favorable, in the case of which an upper layer and a lower layer made from CFRP are connected to a spacer element which lies in-between
Implementation Method 2
As an alternative solution, it is possible to provide a honeycomb structure which, as is known, ensures a high stiffness along the honeycomb direction
Implementation Method 3
the multiple-walled supporting cladding part has at least one flow-through opening, onto and/or through which flow can pass during driving in the installed state. Therefore, an aerodynamic effect by way of the supporting cladding part can assume additional tasks, by way of which the driving behavior can be influenced or assemblies can be cooled
Implementation Method 4
the supporting cladding part has through-holes at least in sections, and the through-holes extend through at least one wall in the case of a multiple-walled configuration, with the result that the air which flows through has a cooling action
Implementation Method 5
In one particular embodiment, two walls of the multiple-walled construction form a nozzle, within which the pressure drops during the flowing through (Bernoulli equation)
Data Source
AI summary
A single-track and engine-operated motor vehicle is provided. The motor vehicle includes a frame support structure that receives at least one engine in a fastening manner. The frame support structure includes frame elements and at least one supporting cladding part made of fiber reinforced plastic. The overall stiffness of the frame support structure is determined by the at least one supporting cladding part.