Motorcycle Ignition Switch Heat Shielding Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Motorcycles with ignition switches positioned above the combustion engine face heat dissipation issues due to cowling mounting, leading to elevated temperatures that impair the ignition switch's functionality.

Innovation Solution

A heat shielding structure is implemented around the ignition switch, comprising a cowling covering the combustion engine's front portion, a first heat shielding member covering the ignition switch's rear and side faces, and a second heat shielding member sealing gaps between the switch, air cleaner, and main frame to prevent heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a cowling is mounted to cover the combustion engine, then the aesthetic appearance and protection of the engine are improved, but heat dissipation is hampered and heat accumulates around the ignition switch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidheat accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shielding structure is divided into multiple segments: a first heat shielding member covering the rear and side faces of the ignition switch, and a second heat shielding member covering gaps between the ignition switch, air cleaner, and main frame. This segmentation allows targeted heat blocking while maintaining overall cowling coverage for aesthetic purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Heat shielding members are introduced as intermediary elements between the combustion engine and the ignition switch. These intermediaries block the heat transfer path without requiring removal of the aesthetic cowling, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of appearance and heat management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the ignition switch is disposed above the combustion engine for compact arrangement, then space utilization is improved, but the ignition switch is exposed to high heat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearrangement compactnessVSAvoidheat exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shielding members are segmented to cover specific exposed surfaces of the ignition switch (rear and side faces) without requiring relocation of the switch itself, thus maintaining compact arrangement while protecting against heat.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Heat shielding is applied locally to the specific surfaces of the ignition switch that are exposed to heat (rear and side faces) rather than requiring complete enclosure or relocation, providing targeted protection while maintaining space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If heat shielding members are added to protect the ignition switch, then heat protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shielding members are designed as thin, flexible components that can be easily installed in the available spaces around the ignition switch. This approach provides effective heat protection without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the motorcycle assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The heat shielding members utilize available three-dimensional spaces and gaps around the ignition switch, air cleaner, and main frame. By positioning shielding elements in these interstitial spaces, effective heat protection is achieved without increasing the overall footprint or complicating the main structural arrangement.

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

4Object-affected harmful factors

If gaps are sealed between the ignition switch and main frame to prevent heat passage, then heat shielding effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat blocking effectivenessVSAvoidsealing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shielding members are designed with flexible characteristics that allow them to conform to slight variations in manufacturing tolerances and assembly positions. This flexibility enables effective sealing of gaps without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision, as the shielding members can adapt to minor dimensional variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The heat shielding structure effectively reduces the ignition switch's exposure to heat, preventing functional impairment and ensuring reliable operation by sealing heat pathways and using lightweight sponge material for the shielding members.

Implementation Method 1

a first heat shielding member configured to cover at least a rear face and opposite side faces of the ignition switch to shield a heat raising upwardly from the combustion engine

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

a part of the first heat shielding member seals between the ignition switch and the main frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

a gap between the ignition switch and the air cleaner and a gap between the main frame and the air cleaner may be covered by a second heat shielding member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3006318B1Heat-shielding structure for the periphery of an ignition switch of a motorcycle
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP3006318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3006318B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3006318B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The heat shielding structure includes a cowling (30) for covering an outer side of at least a front portion of a combustion engine (E) of a motorcycle and an ignition switch (16) is disposed above a combustion engine (E) and in the vicinity of the rear of a head pipe (3). A first heat shielding member (35) covers at least rear and opposite side faces of the ignition switch (16) to shield the heat raising from the combustion engine (E).