Modular Two-Wheeled Vehicle Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motorcycle designs face challenges in achieving a compact and modular configuration that can be applied to multiple vehicle platforms, leading to increased manufacturing time and expense due to the need for unique components for each type of motorcycle.
Innovation Solution
A two-wheeled vehicle design featuring a frame assembly with a front and rear ground-engaging members, a fuel tank positioned under a straddle seat, and an airbox assembly extending upwardly from the fuel tank, allowing for a modular configuration that can accommodate different power requirements while maintaining a reduced vehicle size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If unique components are designed for each motorcycle type to meet specific ride, handling, powertrain, and ergonomic requirements, then vehicle performance and rider preference satisfaction are improved, but manufacturing time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal frame assembly design that can accommodate multiple motorcycle types (cruiser, sport, standard) through standardized mounting locations and modular component interfaces. The frame includes universal engine mounting, exhaust system mounting, and body component mounting locations that allow different powertrain assemblies and body styles to be installed on the same platform, enabling one frame design to serve multiple vehicle configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The motorcycle is divided into modular segments including a universal frame assembly, separable powertrain assembly, and interchangeable body components. This segmentation allows each module to be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled, facilitating faster production and easier customization while maintaining overall vehicle performance requirements for different motorcycle types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unique components are designed for each motorcycle type, then vehicle performance and rider preference satisfaction are improved, but manufacturing expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly serves as a universal platform that can accommodate cruiser, sport, and standard motorcycle configurations through standardized mounting interfaces. This universality allows manufacturers to produce a single frame design that can be used across multiple motorcycle types, significantly reducing tooling costs, inventory requirements, and assembly line reconfiguration expenses while still meeting the specific performance requirements of each motorcycle category.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in component positioning and configuration rather than redesigning entire components. By adjusting mounting locations, component orientations, and assembly configurations on the universal frame platform, different motorcycle types can be produced from the same base design, reducing manufacturing expenses while maintaining the ability to adapt to specific ride, handling, and ergonomic requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If sport or standard-type motorcycles are made smaller in overall size, then vehicle compactness is improved, but packaging of fuel tank and airbox becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves packaging constraints in compact sport and standard motorcycles by utilizing three-dimensional space more efficiently. The fuel tank and airbox are positioned and shaped to optimize vertical and lateral space utilization within the limited envelope of compact motorcycles. The frame assembly includes integrated mounting structures that accommodate these components in optimized positions that maintain both compact overall dimensions and adequate component size for powertrain performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame assembly having a front end and a rear end extending along a longitudinally-extending centerline, a front ground-engaging member operably coupled to the front end of the frame assembly at a front rotational axis, and a rear ground-engaging member operably coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly at a rear rotational axis. A wheel base is defined between the front and rear rotational axes and a vertically-extending centerline of the vehicle extends vertically at the midpoint of the wheel base and is perpendicular to the longitudinally-extending centerline. The vehicle also includes a fuel tank, an airbox assembly, and a battery all positioned relative to the vertically-extending centerline of the vehicle.