Motorcycle Frame Crossmember for Modular Precision Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Welded motorcycle frames have broad fabrication tolerances, complicating precision assembly and requiring additional components for modularity, such as different seat configurations and storage options, which necessitate specific mounting points.
Innovation Solution
A motorcycle frame design featuring a front and rear frame structure with a crossmember made of a flexible material, such as plastic, that provides mounting points for various vehicle components without the need for additional welds or cuts, allowing for modular configurations like seats, fenders, and storage options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welded metal space frame halves are used, then structural soundness is provided, but precision assembly becomes complicated due to broad fabrication tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid welded metal to flexible polymer material. This allows the crossmember to accommodate variations in half-frame dimensions while maintaining structural integrity, thereby achieving both structural soundness and precision assembly without requiring tight fabrication tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining flexible polymer material with metal half-frames. The polymer crossmember provides flexibility to absorb dimensional variations, while the metal half-frames maintain structural strength, resolving the contradiction between structural soundness and assembly precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added for modularity (seats, storage), then vehicle adaptability increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the crossmember with multiple integrated mounting points that can accommodate various vehicle components such as seats, storage compartments, and fenders. This multi-functional design allows a single component to serve multiple purposes, increasing adaptability while avoiding the need for separate mounting structures for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the structural function of the crossmember with the mounting function for vehicle components. By integrating mounting points directly into the crossmember structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets and hardware, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining modular capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A frame assembly for a motorcycle and a motorcycle. The motorcycle includes a front frame structure; a front wheel; a rear frame structure including a first half-frame and a second half-frame body connected to the front frame structure, the second half-frame body being laterally spaced from the first half-frame body; and a crossmember connected between a rear portion of the first half-frame and a rear portion of the second half-frame; a rear wheel; and a motor operatively connected to at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel. The crossmember has mounting points for selectively connecting a plurality of vehicle components, the plurality of vehicle components including at least two of: a driver seat, a passenger seat, a rear fender, a seat cowl, and a taillight.