Intake Air Temperature Sensor Installation Structure for Straddle-Type Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intake air temperature sensor installation structures in straddle-type vehicles are prone to water droplet and mud adhesion, leading to deteriorated protection performance and ease of assembly, while also limiting space for additional components.

Innovation Solution

The intake air temperature sensor is installed on a side surface of an outlet tube, positioned on the inner side of the vehicle width direction relative to the outlet tube's passage portion, which reduces the likelihood of water and mud adhesion and allows for easier assembly, while also utilizing a narrow space for installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the intake air temperature sensor is installed on the lower front surface of the air cleaner case, then the sensor can detect intake air temperature, but the sensor is prone to water droplet and mud adhesion which deteriorates protection performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintake air temperature detectionVSAvoidwater droplet and mud adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the intake air temperature sensor from the lower front surface (vertical dimension) to the side surface of the outlet tube (horizontal dimension). This dimensional change moves the sensor away from the harmful environment of water and mud splashing at the lower position, while still allowing it to detect intake air temperature through the outlet tube's air flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the intake air temperature sensor is installed on the lower front surface of the air cleaner case, then the sensor can detect intake air temperature, but the ease of assembly is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintake air temperature detectionVSAvoidease of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By moving the sensor installation position from the lower front surface to the side surface of the outlet tube, the patent improves assembly ease. The side surface location provides better accessibility for installation and maintenance operations, while the outlet tube structure allows the sensor to remain positioned within the intake air flow path for accurate temperature detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Volume of moving object

If the outlet tube passage portion extends through one side with respect to the rear suspension, then space is optimized for the passage, but the intake air temperature sensor installation space is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutlet tube passage spaceVSAvoidsensor installation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the outlet tube structure into distinct functional zones: one side is dedicated to the passage portion extending through the rear suspension area, while the opposite side provides installation space for the intake air temperature sensor. This segmentation allows both the passage optimization and sensor installation to coexist without spatial conflict.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effectively protects the intake air temperature sensor from water and mud, enhances assembly ease, and allows for the installation of other components in adjacent spaces, optimizing the use of available space in straddle-type vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

an intake air temperature sensor is installed on a side surface on another side of the outlet tube in the vehicle width direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

for detecting a temperature of intake air to an engine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20250050962A1Installation structure of intake air temperature sensor

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP

AI summary

In an installation structure of an intake air temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of intake air to an engine in a straddle-type vehicle, an air cleaner case is installed behind the engine, an outlet tube is connected to a front surface of the air cleaner case, a rear suspension is installed in front of the air cleaner case, the outlet tube has a passage portion extending forward through one side with respect to the rear suspension in a vehicle width direction of the straddle-type vehicle, and the intake air temperature sensor is installed on a side surface on another side of the outlet tube in the vehicle width direction.