Straddled Vehicle Fuel Tank Mounting via Rubber Bracket Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle designs require extra space rearward for fuel tank installation due to the need to slide the tank forward, which inhibits downsizing and increases the number of parts required for securement.
Innovation Solution
A straddled vehicle design featuring a fuel tank with a protruding member that engages with a rubber bracket attached to the main frame, allowing for downward pressing and eliminating the need for sliding, thus reducing parts and space requirements, with optional bolt fastening for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fuel tank is secured using engagement members that require sliding forward to engage with projections, then the fuel tank can be supported on the vehicle body frame, but extra space must be reserved rearward of the fuel tank, creating dead space that inhibits downsizing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having engagement members on the fuel tank slide forward to engage with projections on the frame, the invention inverts the approach by providing engagement members on the frame that receive and engage with protrusions on the fuel tank when the tank is positioned in its final location. This eliminates the need for sliding motion and rearward space reservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel tank support system is segmented into multiple engagement points distributed around the tank perimeter. Multiple protrusions are provided on the fuel tank at different locations, each engaging with corresponding engagement members on the frame, providing stable support without requiring a single large engagement space rearward of the tank.
2Reliability
If engagement members and projections are used to support the fuel tank, then the fuel tank can be secured to the vehicle body frame, but the number of parts increases and installation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the engagement member and projection functions into a unified system where protrusions integrally formed on the fuel tank engage with engagement members on the frame. This integration reduces the number of separate parts compared to traditional bolt-and-nut assemblies or complex multi-component engagement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are integrally formed on the fuel tank during tank manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate attachment components. The fuel tank itself provides its own engagement features, reducing the overall part count and simplifying installation.
3Reliability
If engagement members require sliding the fuel tank forward for installation, then the fuel tank can be secured to the vehicle body frame, but the installation process becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the fuel tank to slide forward to engage engagement members, the invention inverts the engagement mechanism so that the tank is lowered vertically into position where protrusions automatically engage with engagement members on the frame. This vertical positioning is more intuitive and easier to perform than horizontal sliding.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism is designed so that the fuel tank can be positioned at its final location without requiring forceful sliding or overcoming friction. The protrusions and engagement members are positioned to naturally align and engage when the tank is in its correct position, making installation straightforward.
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
Enables stable fuel tank support with reduced parts and no dead space rearward, allowing for compact design and easy installation without the need for additional space, while maintaining stability through the engagement mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a rubber bracket attached to the main frame and having side walls that define a recess that is open upward
Data Source
AI summary
A straddled vehicle includes a main frame extending rearward from a head pipe in a vehicle front-rear direction; a rubber bracket attached to the main frame and formed in a recessed shape that is open upward; and a protruding member extending sideways from a side wall of a fuel tank, wherein the protruding member engages with the rubber bracket. A portion of the fuel tank overlaps with a rear cross frame as the vehicle is seen from above.