Lean Vehicle Motor Layout for Obstacle Clearance While Leaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In lean vehicles, center motors are prone to contact with obstacles protruding above the road surface due to their lowered position and the inclination of the vehicle body, which brings the motor closer to the road surface during leaning.
Innovation Solution
The lean vehicle design includes a motor positioned behind the front wheel and forward of the rear wheel, supported by a front lower frame with the rear end higher than the front end, and incorporates a parallel link mechanism and seat side reinforcing frame to maintain a sufficient distance between the motor and the road surface, enhancing protection from obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the center motor is attached to the down tube at a lowered position, then the vehicle structure is simplified and easier to manufacture, but the motor becomes more susceptible to contact with obstacles on the road surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the motor in the longitudinal dimension between the front and rear wheels, and in the vertical dimension at a height that balances structural simplicity with obstacle avoidance. The motor is mounted on the down tube at a position that is lower than the handlebars but higher than the road surface, creating a multi-dimensional spatial arrangement that resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and motor protection.
2Speed
If the vehicle body is designed to lean during turning, then cornering performance is improved, but the motor comes closer to the road surface and becomes more prone to contact with obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the parallel link mechanism as a counterbalancing system that compensates for the motor's proximity to the road surface during leaning. The mechanism includes links connected to the front wheel assembly and the vehicle body, creating a geometric constraint that maintains the motor at a relatively constant height above the road surface even when the vehicle leans, thus counteracting the adverse effect of leaning on motor protection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the motor is positioned closer to the road surface, then the center of gravity is lowered improving stability, but the motor is more likely to contact obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic positioning system where the motor's vertical position relative to the road surface is automatically adjusted through the parallel link mechanism. As the vehicle leans during turning, the parallel link mechanism allows controlled movement that maintains optimal clearance between the motor and road surface, dynamically balancing the center of gravity position for stability while preventing obstacle contact.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lean vehicle 1 includes a front wheel 3, a rear wheel 4, a motor 15c, and a front lower frame 33. The motor 15c is disposed rearward of the front wheel 3 and forward of the rear wheel 4, and generates power for traveling. The front lower frame 33 supports the front wheel 4 at front end thereof and the motor 15c at rear end thereof, with the rear end positioned higher than the front end and the rear end positioned higher than the lower end of the motor 15c.