Hybrid Motorcycle Battery Layout Near the Swing Axis

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Solution Overview

Problem

In hybrid motorcycles with both an engine and an electric motor, the limited space and weight of the battery for the electric motor pose challenges, affecting motion performance.

Innovation Solution

The battery is arranged rearward of the swing axis between the engine and the rear wheel, utilizing space effectively and positioning it near the center of gravity to reduce the moment of inertia.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a battery is mounted on the motorcycle to drive the electric motor, then the electric motor can be powered, but the limited space on the motorcycle makes it difficult to arrange the battery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric motor powerVSAvoidavailable space
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the battery in the longitudinal dimension (rearward of the swing axis) rather than attempting to fit it in the lateral or vertical dimensions where space is constrained. This dimensional repositioning allows the battery to occupy the extended rear space between the swing axis and rear wheel, effectively utilizing previously underutilized longitudinal space.

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If a heavy battery is mounted on the motorcycle, then the electric motor can be driven, but the motion performance of the motorcycle deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric motor powerVSAvoidmotion performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the battery at a location (rearward of the swing axis) that balances the motorcycle's center of gravity. By placing the heavy battery in this specific position, the gravitational effects are均衡ed, maintaining stable motion characteristics and minimizing negative impacts on handling and acceleration performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The battery's heavy weight is strategically positioned to act as a counterweight that balances the motorcycle's overall mass distribution. This counterbalancing effect stabilizes the vehicle's center of gravity, improving motion performance rather than degrading it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Area of stationary object

If the battery is arranged rearward of the swing axis between the engine and the rear wheel, then the space is effectively utilized and the battery is positioned near the center of gravity, but the arrangement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidbattery arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the battery arrangement with the existing motorcycle frame structure and swing arm configuration. The battery is integrated into the space defined by the swing axis and rear wheel, utilizing the existing structural framework rather than requiring separate mounting systems, thereby reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4703248A1motorcycle
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD
  • EP4703248A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4703248A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4703248A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a motorcycle including: an engine (E) and an electric motor (M) that are drive sources; a vehicle body frame (FR) that supports the drive sources; a battery (60) that is charged by power of the engine (E) to drive the electric motor (M); and a pair of left and right swing arms (24) that support a rear wheel (26) on the vehicle body frame (FR) such that the rear wheel (26) is swingable about a swing axis (AX). The battery (60) is arranged rearward of the swing axis (AX) between the engine (E) and the rear wheel (26).