Lid Support Structure with Separate Operation Surface

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing lid support structure for saddle-type vehicles, such as motorcycles, lacks operability in determining the correct position to push the lid to release the locking portion, leading to inferior attachability and detachability without compromising the design aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

The lid support structure incorporates an operation surface positioned separately from the lid surface, utilizing a vehicle body cover with angled first and second openings to create a space where the operation surface can be easily accessed, allowing for superior attachability and detachability without design deterioration, employing a snap fit mechanism for engagement and disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a mark is added to indicate the position where the lid should be pushed, then operability is improved, but the design of the lid and surrounding area is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveoperabilityVSAvoiddesign
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is divided into two distinct surfaces: a lid surface for closing the first opening and an operation surface for disengagement through the second opening. This segmentation allows the operation surface to be positioned separately, providing clear operational indication without adding marks that would deteriorate the design of the lid and surrounding area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the operation surface is positioned separately from the lid surface, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedetachabilityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation surface and lid surface are merged into a single integrated lid structure. This integration allows the operation surface to be positioned separately for improved ease of operation while avoiding the complexity of separate components, fasteners, or additional mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the lid is made easily detachable by pushing one end portion, then productivity is improved, but reliability of engagement may be worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveattachabilityVSAvoidengagement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid support structure employs a dynamic snap fit mechanism that transitions between engaged and disengaged states. The locking portion moves between locked and unlocked positions in response to pushing the operation surface, providing easy detachability while maintaining reliable engagement through the snap fit's inherent mechanical locking action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design enhances the operability of the lid by allowing easy detachment and attachment with minimal force, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the vehicle body cover and lid surface, leveraging the angled surfaces and snap fit mechanism for efficient engagement and disengagement.

Implementation Method 1

a snap fit configured to be engaged with the vehicle body cover and directed to be disengaged from the vehicle body cover by pushing the operation surface towards an inner side of the vehicle body cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a locking portion configured to lock the snap fit to the vehicle body cover in a state where the snap fit is engaged with the vehicle body cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3715232B1Lid support structure
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3715232B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715232B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3715232B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lid support structure includes a vehicle body cover (29) including a first opening (31) and a second opening (32), and a lid (48) configured to be detachably engaged with the vehicle body cover (29). The lid (48) includes a lid surface (48s) configured to close the first opening (31) of the vehicle body cover (29), and an operation surface (48b) disposed to be operable through the second opening (32) of the vehicle body cover (29). The lid (48) is configured to be disengaged from the vehicle body cover (29) by moving the operation surface (48b).