Series Hybrid Motorcycle Power Unit Layout for High Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
The series hybrid type straddled vehicle faces a challenge in achieving a high output while maintaining a compact size, as the large size of the engine and electric power generator necessitate a larger vehicle frame and wheelbase.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle configures the electric power generation unit with the engine and generator arranged side by side in the left-right direction, allowing for an offset positioning of the engine to minimize protrusion in the up-down and front-back directions, thus maintaining a compact size while increasing output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the engine and electric power generator are made large to increase output, then the power output is improved, but the vehicle size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from arranging the engine and generator in series along the front-back direction to positioning them side-by-side in the left-right direction, utilizing the lateral dimension of the vehicle. This dimensional shift allows the powertrain components to occupy horizontal space rather than extending the vehicle's length, thereby increasing output without proportionally increasing overall vehicle size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the electric power generator to overlap with the engine when viewed from the left-right direction, creating a nested spatial arrangement. The generator is arranged farther in the second direction (opposite to the engine's offset direction) than the engine, allowing the two large components to share vertical space and reducing the vehicle's up-down dimensional footprint.
2Power
If the engine and electric power generator are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, then the output is increased, but the width of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the engine and generator within the left-right direction. The engine is offset toward a first direction from the center, while the generator is positioned farther in the second direction than the engine. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the spatial distribution of mass and components, allowing the powertrain to generate high output while maintaining a compact lateral footprint through non-uniform component placement.
3Power
If the engine is positioned away from the center to accommodate the generator, then the output is increased, but the weight distribution is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately implements asymmetric positioning where the engine is offset toward a first direction from the center of the vehicle. This asymmetric weight distribution is accepted and optimized to accommodate the side-by-side arrangement of the large engine and generator, prioritizing power output and compact dimensional footprint over perfect weight balance. The asymmetric layout allows the powertrain components to be positioned for optimal spatial efficiency.
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
This configuration allows for an increase in output without a corresponding increase in size, as the overlapping arrangement of the engine and generator reduces the overall dimensional increase in the vehicle, maintaining agility and responsiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an electric power generator positioned farther in the second direction than the electric power generation engine, the electric power generator being arranged so as to have an overlap with the electric power generation engine when viewed in the left-right direction
Implementation Method 2
a drive motor that is supported by the frame structure or the rear arm, the drive motor being configured to drive the driving wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A straddled vehicle including a frame structure having a frame body, a rear arm swingably supported by the frame structure, a driving wheel rotatably supported by the rear arm, a drive motor supported by the frame structure or the rear arm, and an electric power generation unit supported by the frame body but not by the rear arm. The electric power generation unit includes: an electric power generation engine arranged with an offset toward a first direction from a center of the straddled vehicle with respect to a left-right direction, not overlapping the drive motor in a side view; and an electric power generator further in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, than the electric power generation engine, overlapping the electric power generation engine, but not overlapping the drive motor, in the side view. The electric power generator is driven by the electric power generation engine to generate electric power.