Motorcycle Rear Side Cowling Protrusions for Rider Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional straddle-type vehicles face increased manufacturing costs and seat width due to complex support member structures, which compromise rider support and vehicle efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a vehicle body frame with a seat and rear cushion, featuring adjustable rear side cowlings with protruding sections that provide additional support while maintaining a reduced vehicle width, incorporating flexible side cushions to enhance rider support and reduce manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If side support members are extended in the width direction to improve rider support, then rider comfort is improved, but the size of the seat in the width direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverider supportVSAvoidseat width

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from horizontal support (width direction) to vertical support (height direction) by extending the rear side cowlings upward to form protruding sections that provide side support to the rider's hips, thereby maintaining compact seat width while improving rider support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The seat support function is segmented into multiple components: the seat section for primary seating, the rear cushion for rear support, and the protruding sections of the rear side cowlings for side support, allowing each component to be optimized independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If complex seat support structures are used to improve rider support, then rider comfort is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverider supportVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rear side cowlings serve dual functions: as aerodynamic bodywork covering the rear section of the vehicle and as side support structures for the rider, eliminating the need for separate support members and reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rear side cowlings are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: aerodynamic streamlining, structural support for the rear section, and rider side support through the protruding sections, thereby reducing the total number of components required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If protruding sections are made fully flexible to improve rider adaptation, then rider comfort is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverider adaptationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Only the upper portions of the protruding sections are made flexible to provide localized cushioning contact with the rider's hips, while the lower portions remain rigid to maintain structural integrity and support the aerodynamic fairing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible material is applied selectively to the upper surfaces of the protruding sections where direct rider contact occurs, providing comfort while minimizing the amount of flexible material required and associated manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP3093225B1Saddled vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.06.09 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A motorcycle (1) comprises a vehicle body frame (2); a seat (15) mounted to the vehicle body frame (12) and including a seat section (30) on which a rider is seated; and a pair of rear side cowlings (24) which are placed on right and left sides of the seat (15) and mounted to the vehicle body frame (2), the pair of rear side cowlings (24) including protruding sections (24a), respectively, protruding farther upward than the seat section (30) does, when viewed from a side.