Fuel Tank Mounting Structure for Handling Performance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing saddle-type vehicle designs, the fuel tank is firmly coupled to the vehicle body frame during cornering, leading to increased inertial weight and operation load due to its movement with the vehicle body, which complicates handling.
Innovation Solution
A support structure for the fuel tank is implemented using a combination of first and second fixed sections, where the first section fixes the tank to prevent relative movement and the second section allows for clearance between the grommet and collar, enabling the tank to remain upright during cornering by allowing relative movement, thus reducing inertial weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fuel tank is firmly coupled to the vehicle body frame, then the fuel tank is securely fixed and does not move relatively to the vehicle body, but the inertial weight of the fuel tank is added to the vehicle body during cornering, increasing operation load
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into two distinct fixed sections: a first fixed section that firmly couples the fuel tank to the vehicle body frame for secure fixation, and a second fixed section that provides a movable connection allowing the fuel tank to move independently during cornering. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both secure fixation and reduced operation load through differential coupling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the fuel tank support structure have different coupling characteristics: the first fixed section provides rigid coupling for stability, while the second fixed section provides flexible coupling for maneuverability. This local quality differentiation allows the fuel tank to be securely fixed in normal conditions while enabling independent movement during cornering to reduce inertial weight and improve handling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fuel tank is firmly coupled to the vehicle body frame, then the fuel tank maintains stable position, but the fuel tank tilts along with the vehicle body during initial cornering motion, increasing inertial weight
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a static rigid coupling to a dynamic system where the fuel tank can move relative to the vehicle body frame. The second fixed section enables this dynamic behavior, allowing the fuel tank to maintain stable position during normal operation while permitting independent movement during cornering to reduce inertial weight and improve handling characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the support structure into two fixed sections with different coupling characteristics, the system achieves both position stability through the first fixed section and reduced inertial weight through the movable second fixed section during cornering maneuvers.
3Reliability
If the shaft section is made with tight fit, then the collar is securely fixed to the grommet, but the energy storage section cannot move relatively to the vehicle body frame during cornering
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft section is designed with specific dimensional relationships (length larger than penetration hole, outside diameter smaller than inside diameter) that create a localized clearance fitting. This local quality difference from a tight fit allows the collar to be securely connected while enabling the necessary relative movement capability during cornering maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the dimensional parameters of the shaft section (length and diameter relationships with the grommet), the system achieves a balance between secure connection and relative movement capability. The shaft section's dimensions are specifically designed to provide sufficient connection strength while maintaining clearance for movement during cornering.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A handling performance is improved by a fuel tank fitting structure. A fuel tank 28 is mounted to a vehicle body frame 10 at three points: a first fixed section 50 with a bolt 40 and two second fixed sections 60 with two bolts 41. A grommet 51 provided in the first fixed section 50 has an interference. Each of the second fixed sections 60 has a fitting clearance b between a collar 62 and the grommet 61, and an axial clearance c between the collar 62 and the grommet 61. These clearances enable the grommet without an interference and the fuel tank 28 to relatively movable to the vehicle body frame. The fuel tank 28 and a vehicle body thus have different behaviors during cornering, thereby obtaining reduced inertial weight and light handling.