Motorcycle ABS Mounting Below Swing Arm Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle brake control systems, particularly ABS units, require significant design changes to accommodate their large and heavy components, making it difficult to integrate them into base model motorcycles without compromising space and increasing vehicle width.
Innovation Solution
The ABS unit is mounted below the pivot shaft of the rear swing arm, allowing it to be positioned in previously unused space, and is balanced laterally with the muffler to lower the vehicle's center of gravity and minimize design changes, using a drive shaft instead of a chain drive to optimize space utilization and maintain a narrow width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the ABS unit is mounted in the conventional location (below the seat and between seat frame members), then the brake control device can be arranged in a standard position, but the motorcycle requires large design changes and the vehicle width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ABS unit is relocated from the conventional horizontal arrangement (between seat frame members) to a vertical arrangement (below the pivot shaft). This dimensional change allows the brake control device to be positioned in the vertical space beneath the rear swing arm pivot shaft, utilizing previously unused vertical dead space rather than horizontal space between frame members.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting location is specifically optimized for the ABS unit's characteristics. The space below the pivot shaft is identified as a localized dead space that can accommodate the ABS unit without interfering with suspension or drive components. This local optimization allows the heavy brake control device to be positioned where it does not require major design changes to the overall motorcycle structure.
2Area of stationary object
If the ABS unit is positioned in the dead space below the pivot shaft, then the vehicle width is maintained narrow, but the space utilization was previously considered impossible due to interference with suspension and drive components
Solution Approach 1:
The space below the pivot shaft is segmented into specific zones to accommodate different components. The ABS unit is positioned in a lateral offset position that divides the dead space into functional zones: one zone for the brake control device and another zone for the suspension and drive components. This segmentation allows multiple components to coexist in the same vertical space without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The ABS unit is positioned asymmetrically below the pivot shaft, offset to one side rather than centered. This asymmetric placement allows the brake control device to utilize the lateral dead space without interfering with the suspension mechanism or drive shaft on the opposite side. The asymmetric configuration maximizes space utilization while maintaining narrow vehicle width.
3Device complexity
If heavy components (ABS unit and muffler) are positioned close together, then the design is simplified, but the weight distribution becomes unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy ABS unit positioned below the pivot shaft on one side of the motorcycle acts as a counterweight to balance the heavy muffler positioned on the opposite side. This counterbalancing arrangement distributes the weight of heavy components laterally across the vehicle, improving weight distribution and stability without requiring additional balancing components or complex mounting structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting configuration is provided for mounting an ABS unit on a base model motorcycle which permits a relatively large-sized and heavy ABS unit to be easily mounted on a vehicle body frame. A V-shaped engine is longitudinally mounted on the frame, and a rear wheel is supported on a rear swing arm which is pivotally supported on the frame by a pivot shaft, the rear wheel driven via a drive shaft. An ABS unit is arranged on one side of the vehicle body in a space below and to one side of the pivot shaft so as to avoid interference with the rear swing arm or the like, thus it is possible to easily mount the ABS unit on a base model. Further, by arranging exhaust pipe system parts on another side of the vehicle body, it is possible to obtain a proper lateral balance of the vehicle body.