Motorcycle Air-Guiding Element With Passive Wind-Pressure Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adjustable air-guiding elements on motorcycles require active actuation by the rider and are complex, making them impractical for easy and cost-effective use.

Innovation Solution

A motorcycle with an adjustable air-guiding element featuring a root portion connected to the vehicle body and an air-guiding portion supported by a resilient element, allowing passive movement between deployed and retracted positions based on wind pressure, eliminating the need for active actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mechanically, electrically or hydraulically adjustable vehicle body parts are used, then the air-guiding element can be moved into a desired position, but the apparatus becomes complicated and requires active actuation by the rider

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of actuationVSAvoidComplexity of actuating system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air-guiding element is designed to automatically adjust its position based on aerodynamic forces generated during motorcycle operation. The resilient supporting element enables passive movement between retracted and deployed positions without requiring rider intervention, electronic controls, or mechanical actuation systems. The element self-regulates its position in response to changing ride conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention removes the complex actuation system (electrical, hydraulic, or mechanical) entirely from the design. By extracting these active components and replacing them with a passive resilient supporting element, the system achieves adjustment functionality without the complexity and maintenance requirements of traditional adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an electrically or hydraulically adjustable windshield is used, then wind and weather protection can be adjusted, but the system requires active actuation and electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAdjustability of wind protectionVSAvoidComplexity of electronic and mechanical system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air-guiding element automatically adapts its position in response to aerodynamic forces generated during motorcycle operation. The resilient supporting element enables passive movement between retracted and deployed positions without requiring rider intervention, electronic controls, or mechanical actuation systems. The element self-regulates its position in response to changing ride conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The air-guiding element is designed with dynamic adaptability, automatically adjusting its position based on real-time aerodynamic conditions. The resilient supporting element allows the structure to respond dynamically to changing wind pressures and ride states, transitioning between retracted and deployed positions as needed without pre-programmed control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If a rigid air-guiding element is used, then structural strength is maintained, but the element cannot automatically adjust to different riding conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveStructural strength of air-guiding elementVSAvoidAbility to adjust to riding conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes its operational parameters (position between retracted and deployed) in response to changing aerodynamic conditions. The resilient supporting element enables the structure to vary its configuration based on wind pressure, allowing the same physical component to serve different functional states without modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 air-guiding element automatically adjusts to vehicle speed, providing wind protection and improved aerodynamics without requiring user intervention, enhancing user safety and riding dynamics.

Implementation Method 1

supported by means of a resilient supporting element on the vehicle body and/or the vehicle structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

lower loading with an air stream takes place at a low speed and, as a result, the supporting element is situated in the deployed position. If a wind pressure rises as a result of an air stream which rises as a vehicle speed increases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12583543B2Motorcycle having an adjustable air-guiding element

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

AI summary

A motorcycle having an adjustable air-guiding element, the air-guiding element having a root portion which is connected to a body and/or to a vehicle structure of the motorcycle, and an air-guiding portion which extends from the root portion as far as a free end of the air-guiding element. The air-guiding portion is movable between a deployed position and an inclined position relative to the body and/or to the vehicle structure and is supported on the body and/or on the vehicle structure by a spring-elastic support element.