Motorcycle Air Cleaner Case with Integrated Ducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Saddle-riding type vehicles have complex air cleaner structures that increase manufacturing costs without ensuring sufficient air intake capacity.
Innovation Solution
A simplified air cleaner design for saddle-riding type vehicles featuring a teardrop-shaped air cleaner case with strategically positioned air intake ducts that draw air from both sides, reducing external exposure and dust entry, while allowing for a larger filtration area and streamlined appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex air cleaner structure is used, then air intake capacity is sufficient, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air intake ducts into a single integrated air cleaner case structure. The air cleaner case incorporates both front and rear air intake ducts as integral components rather than separate assemblies, reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining sufficient air intake capacity for the V-type engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The air cleaner case serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the air cleaner element, forms the structural housing, and incorporates integrated air intake ducts that draw air from multiple locations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate ducting components, reducing manufacturing cost while ensuring adequate air supply.
2Productivity
If air intake ducts are exposed on the outside, then air intake is effective, but appearance is degraded and dust/water entry increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake ducts are nested within the air cleaner case structure rather than being externally mounted. The case encapsulates the ducts, allowing air to be drawn from external sources through protected openings while the ducts themselves remain shielded from direct exposure to dust and water in the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The air cleaner case acts as an intermediary structure between the external environment and the air intake ducts. It provides protected air intake openings that channel air through the case walls to the ducts, preventing direct exposure of the ducts to harmful external factors while maintaining effective air intake.
3Shape
If air cleaner case is made streamlined, then appearance is enhanced, but internal space for ducts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake ducts are arranged in different spatial dimensions within the streamlined case. The front air intake duct extends in one direction while the rear air intake duct is positioned in another dimension, allowing both ducts to fit within the compact streamlined volume without interfering with each other or the overall aerodynamic shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The streamlined air cleaner case features localized structural variations that accommodate the air intake ducts. The case cross-sectional shape changes in specific regions to provide necessary internal space for duct routing while maintaining the overall streamlined appearance from external viewing angles.
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 simplified air cleaner structure reduces manufacturing costs, enhances the vehicle's appearance by concealing air intake ducts, prevents dust and water entry, and increases the filtration area, effectively maintaining air intake capacity.
Implementation Method 1
an air cleaner element (80) housed in the air cleaner case (70)
Implementation Method 2
a front side air intake duct (74F) that draws air in from a lower side of the air cleaner case (70), while the rear side air intake duct (74R) draws air in from an inner side in the vehicle width direction of the air cleaner case (70)
Data Source
AI summary
A saddle-riding type vehicle includes an air intake path disposed between a front bank and a rear bank and an air cleaner connected to an outer side of the air intake path. The air cleaner includes an air cleaner case and an air cleaner element housed in the air cleaner case. The air cleaner case includes air intake ducts disposed on either side of the air cleaner element in a vehicle longitudinal direction across the air cleaner element.