Straddle-Type Vehicle Fuel Hose Clamp Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Straddle-type vehicles face challenges in preventing position changes of fuel hoses made from low rigidity materials, such as rubber, especially when the distance between the fuel discharge portion on the fuel tank and the vehicle body frame is long, leading to instability and potential interference with other components.

Innovation Solution

A straddle-type vehicle design featuring a fuel hose with a clamp positioned laterally from the fuel tank, secured by a clamp on the storing box, which effectively restricts movement and maintains stability without compromising the volume or shape of the fuel tank or storing box.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a fuel hose made from low rigidity material such as rubber is used, then cost is reduced, but position stability of the fuel hose deteriorates when the distance between the fuel discharge portion and the vehicle body frame is long

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidposition stability of fuel hose
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel hose support structure is segmented into multiple clamps positioned at different locations. One clamp is provided on the vehicle body frame, and another clamp is provided on the storing box, creating multiple support points that stabilize the fuel hose without requiring high rigidity material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storing box serves as an intermediary structure to provide an additional clamp position. By utilizing the storing box as a mediator, the fuel hose gains extra support without directly connecting to the vehicle body frame, enabling the use of flexible rubber material while maintaining position stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a clamp is provided on the vehicle body frame to clamp the fuel hose, then position change of the fuel hose is prevented, but the clamp may interfere with the fuel tank or reduce the volume of the storing box

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stability of fuel hoseVSAvoidvolume of storing box
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping function is segmented between two separate locations: one clamp on the vehicle body frame and another clamp on the storing box. This segmentation allows each clamp to be positioned optimally without interfering with the fuel tank or reducing storing box volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp on the storing box utilizes the lateral dimension (width direction) by positioning the storing box laterally from the fuel tank. This dimensional arrangement allows the clamp to secure the fuel hose without interfering with the fuel tank space or reducing the storing box volume

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

3Volume of stationary object

If the clamp is positioned laterally from the fuel tank, then the volume and shape of the fuel tank and storing box are maintained, but the distance between the clamp and the fuel discharge portion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume of fuel tank and storing boxVSAvoiddistance between clamp and fuel discharge portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel hose support is segmented into two clamps at different positions. The first clamp on the vehicle body frame provides support near the fuel discharge portion, while the second clamp on the storing box provides additional support laterally, together managing the hose without excessive length in any single segment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the fuel hose are provided with different levels of support. The area near the fuel discharge portion is supported by the first clamp, while the lateral region is supported by the second clamp on the storing box, optimizing both volume maintenance and distance control locally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2639145B1Straddle-type vehicle
Publication Date: 2014.06.04 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2639145B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2639145B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2639145B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fuel hose (49) has a rear portion extending from a fuel discharge portion (41) of a fuel tank (40) toward a rear frame (24). A storing box (50) includes a clamp (51f) located laterally from the fuel tank (40) and clamping the hose rear portion of the fuel hose (49) at a position located upward away from the rear frame (24). This structure can prevent position change of the fuel hose (49) even when the distance between the fuel discharge portion (41) provided on the upper surface of the fuel tank (40) and a vehicle body frame is long.