Motorcycle Battery and Radiator Layout for Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The layout of motorcycle components, such as batteries and radiators, poses challenges in balancing aesthetics, aerodynamics, and performance, as large batteries can lead to overheating and obstruct air flow, while small batteries compromise reliability and cooling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The battery is positioned within the empty space at the front of the motorcycle, allowing moving air to dissipate heat and improve durability, while the radiator is placed alongside to enhance cooling without obstructing air flow, thus optimizing component placement and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a big battery is used to guarantee reliability and good performances, then the electrical power supplied and reliability are improved, but the motorcycle becomes cumbersome and big, negatively affecting the overall appearance and making it difficult to find space for other component parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the battery from traditional locations (under the seat or behind the engine) to the front portion of the motorcycle, utilizing the front space above the front wheel. This dimensional change in location allows a larger battery capacity without increasing the overall motorcycle volume, as the front area is typically underutilized. The battery is arranged to extend in the width direction within this front space, maximizing space utilization.
2Volume of moving object
If the battery is located close to heat generating component parts such as the engine or exhaust pipe to save space, then the space for other component parts is improved, but the battery gets overheated and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery from the traditional confined space near the engine and exhaust pipe, and relocates it to the front portion of the motorcycle above the front wheel. This separation removes the battery from the harmful thermal environment generated by the engine and exhaust system, preventing overheating while still utilizing available space efficiently. The battery is positioned in a thermally independent zone.
3Reliability
If a big battery is placed in the front portion of the motorcycle to improve reliability, then the electrical power supplied is improved, but it represents an obstacle to the air flow, resulting in component parts getting overheated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific airflow channel design around the battery location. The front cover is configured with openings that guide air flow past the battery, and the battery case includes air intake and exhaust openings. This localized airflow management ensures that while the battery receives cooling air, the main air flow path to the engine and other components is not blocked, allowing different regions to have different airflow characteristics.
4Temperature
If a large radiator is used to guarantee adequate cooling of the coolant fluid, then the cooling performance is improved, but the motorcycle becomes too cumbersome and it becomes difficult to find an adequate location for other component parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the radiator from traditional locations (behind the engine or in the front causing airflow obstruction) to the left side of the motorcycle, utilizing the side space. This dimensional change in placement allows a larger radiator surface area for improved cooling performance without increasing the front-to-back length of the motorcycle, thus avoiding making the motorcycle cumbersome while still providing adequate cooling.
5Volume of moving object
If the radiator is placed behind the engine and cylinder to save space, then the space for other component parts is improved, but the air flow toward the radiator is obstructed and a ventilator has to be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the radiator from the position behind the engine where airflow is naturally obstructed, and relocates it to the left side of the motorcycle. This extraction from the problematic location eliminates the need for additional ventilators or fans to force airflow through the radiator, as the side placement allows natural airflow to reach the radiator without obstruction from the engine or other components.
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
This configuration improves battery durability, maintains performance, and simplifies mounting and maintenance, while ensuring adequate cooling and balancing the motorcycle's weight distribution.
Implementation Method 1
Moving air is introduced into the empty space during traveling. The moving air suppresses the increase of temperature caused by the heat generated from the battery
Implementation Method 2
Large radiators would guarantee adequate cooling of the coolant fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
A motorcycle comprising a main frame, and a vehicle cover provided such that it covers at least part of the frame. The cover includes a front cover (23), which is provided such that an empty space (A) that opens to the front is formed between the sides of a front portion (2b) of the vehicle frame, and a battery (30) is provided such that at least a part thereof is disposed within the empty space (A).