Modular Waterproof Headlamp Unit for Compact Leaning Vehicles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing headlamp units for leaning vehicles, such as motorcycles, are oversized due to their waterproof casing, limiting the degree of freedom in attachment and design, and requiring significant redesign for model changes, while also being prone to water and dust ingress.

Innovation Solution

A headlamp unit with individual waterproof modules for the headlamp, sub-lamp, electric power supply, and connector modules, along with a non-waterproof cover module that covers these components, allowing for independent design and attachment, and featuring a support member for structural integrity, while the non-waterproof cover module facilitates water and dust discharge through a through hole.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a waterproof casing entirely covers the electrical components and inner lens, then the electrical components are protected from rainwater, but the headlamp unit becomes large in size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof protectionVSAvoidheadlamp unit size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the headlamp unit into separate waterproof modules (headlamp module, sub-lamp module, electric power supply module, connector module) and a non-waterproof cover module. Each waterproof module independently protects its electrical components, eliminating the need for a single large waterproof casing. This segmentation allows the cover module to be smaller and non-waterproof, resolving the contradiction between protection and size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple types of lamps are contained in a waterproof casing, then all electrical components are protected, but the headlamp unit becomes even larger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive protectionVSAvoidheadlamp unit size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates different lamp types into independent waterproof modules (headlamp module with headlamp LED, sub-lamp module with sub-lamp LED). Each module has its own waterproof structure, allowing them to be compact and efficiently arranged. This eliminates the need for a single large casing to accommodate all lamp types, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive protection and compact size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If the casing is downsized to reduce headlamp unit size, then attachment freedom increases, but electrical components cannot be adequately protected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheadlamp unit sizeVSAvoidwaterproof protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements waterproof protection at the module level rather than requiring a large enclosing casing. Each module (headlamp, sub-lamp, power supply, connector) has its own waterproof structure, enabling compact overall size while maintaining adequate protection for all electrical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If a single large waterproof casing is used, then all components are protected, but design freedom and attachment flexibility are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidattachment freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the headlamp unit into independent waterproof modules that can be flexibly arranged and attached. The non-waterproof cover module can be designed in various shapes and configurations, providing design freedom and attachment flexibility while the segmented waterproof modules maintain component protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4098484B1Headlamp unit and leaning vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4098484B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1(c)
  • EP4098484B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4098484B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a headlamp unit that allows for an increased degree of freedom in the attachment to a vehicle body and an increased degree of freedom in the design of the lamp while suppressing its upsizing. A headlamp unit 1 includes a headlamp module 11, a sub-lamp module 12, an electric power supply module 13, a connector module 14, and a non-waterproof cover module 15. The headlamp unit 1 has an integrated structure composed of at least the headlamp module 11, the sub-lamp module 12, the electric power supply module 13, and the non-waterproof cover module 15. In the integrated structure, the headlamp module 11, the sub-lamp module 12, the electric power supply module 13, and the connector module 14 each have a waterproof structure, and the non-waterproof cover module 15 is configured to cover at least a portion of the headlamp module 11 and at least a portion of the sub-lamp module 12.