Motor-Frame Rolling Joint for Motorcycle Vibration and Yaw Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorcycle motor-frame connection systems using connecting rods and silentblocks are bulky, costly, and inadequate for yaw and roll movements, leading to poor road behavior and increased dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A connection joint utilizing a pair of washers with planar surfaces and rolling balls, supported by an elastic spacer and containment cage, allowing for pure rolling and rotational movements, which reduces weight, cost, and dimensions while improving dynamic behavior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connecting rods and silentblocks are used to connect motor to frame, then motor movement is constrained in longitudinal plane and vibrations are filtered, but the system becomes bulky, heavy, and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibrational filteringVSAvoidconnection system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of connecting rod, bearing, and silentblock into a single integrated connection joint. The connection joint comprises a bearing element with rolling elements and an elastic element combined in one structure, eliminating the need for separate connecting rods and silentblocks, thus reducing weight and complexity while maintaining vibrational filtering capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection joint is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a connecting element, a bearing, and a vibration isolator. The elastic element provides both mechanical connection and vibrational filtering, while the rolling elements enable smooth movement, making the system more compact and efficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If connecting rods and silentblocks are used to connect motor to frame, then motor movement is constrained in longitudinal plane, but the system dimensions and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor movement controlVSAvoidconnection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of connecting rod, bearing, and silentblock into a single integrated connection joint. The connection joint comprises a bearing element with rolling elements and an elastic element combined in one structure, eliminating the need for separate connecting rods and silentblocks, thus reducing weight and complexity while maintaining motor movement control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection joint is segmented into functional elements: a bearing element with rolling elements for smooth movement, an elastic element for vibration isolation, and a mounting structure for frame attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently within a compact integrated structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If silentblocks with sufficient stiffness are used to limit motor movement, then motor position is controlled, but yaw and roll movements are not adequately countered, worsening road behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor position stabilityVSAvoidroad behavior
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection joint uses rolling elements that allow dynamic movement in the longitudinal plane while the elastic element provides dynamic vibration isolation. This dynamic design enables the motor to move freely in the longitudinal direction for proper positioning while simultaneously counteracting unwanted yaw and roll movements through the elastic damping effect, improving road behavior

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic element acts as an intermediary between the bearing element and the frame, providing vibration isolation and filtering unwanted movements. It mediates between the motor's longitudinal movement requirements and the frame's stability requirements, allowing proper motor positioning while counteracting harmful yaw and roll movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution provides a lighter, more cost-effective, and compact motor-frame connection that enhances motorcycle road behavior by eliminating yaw and roll limitations, offering improved vibrational damping and dynamic stability.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of rolling balls (48) interposed between said planar surfaces (44)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

allowing for pure rolling and rotational movements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

an elastic spacer element (52) connected to said pair of washers (36, 40)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

offers improved vibrational damping and dynamic stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibrational damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3829911B1Connection joint between frame and motor for motorcycle, and relative motorcycle comprising said connection joint
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 PIAGGIO & C SPA
  • EP3829911B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3829911B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3829911B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A connection joint (16) for a motorcycle (4) suitable for connecting together a first fixed portion (32) and a second movable portion (34) with respect to said fixed portion (32), comprising: a pair of washers (36,40) with respective planar surfaces (44) facing each other with respect to an axial direction (X-X), a plurality of rolling balls (48) interposed between said planar surfaces (44) of said washers (36,40), an elastic spacer element (52) connected to the pair of washers (36,40) so as to space said washers (36,40) to each other in a radial direction (R-R), perpendicular to said axial direction (X-X).