Motorcycle Engine Shaft Stacking for Compact Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle engines are elongated in the lengthwise direction, which can hinder design efficiency and space utilization in motorcycle designs.
Innovation Solution
The engine design positions the crankshaft, main shaft, and drive shaft along the widthwise direction of the motorcycle, with the main shaft above the plane including the crankshaft and drive shaft, and incorporates a clutch release cylinder that overhangs the drive sprocket to reduce the engine's length and allow for a larger bank angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the crankshaft, main shaft, and drive shaft are arranged along the lengthwise direction of the motorcycle, then the engine structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the engine length becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the main shaft from a horizontal arrangement (along the lengthwise direction) to a vertical arrangement (above the plane including the crankshaft and drive shaft). This dimensional change allows the engine components to be stacked vertically rather than arranged linearly, significantly reducing the engine's lengthwise dimension while maintaining the functional relationships between components
2Length of moving object
If the main shaft is positioned above the plane including the crankshaft and drive shaft, then the engine length is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the main shaft vertically above the plane containing the crankshaft and drive shaft, creating a nested or stacked configuration where components are arranged in layers. The clutch is positioned between the crankshaft and main shaft, and the transmission is positioned between the main shaft and drive shaft, allowing compact vertical stacking that reduces overall length while organizing complexity in a structured manner
3Length of moving object
If the clutch release cylinder is positioned to overhang the drive sprocket, then space utilization is improved and engine length is reduced, but the risk of interference between the push rod and drive chain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective cover that surrounds the push rod in the region where it passes through the main shaft. This cover acts as an intermediary barrier that physically separates the push rod from the drive chain, preventing potential interference while allowing the clutch release cylinder to be positioned in the space-overhanging configuration that maximizes space utilization
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 reduces the overall length of the engine along the motorcycle's lengthwise direction, allows for a larger bank angle, and prevents the drive sprocket from protruding beyond the clutch release cylinder, enhancing design efficiency and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
The clutch release cylinder releases the clutch by pushing the push rod by hydraulic pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An engine (17) for use in a motorcycle (100) includes a crankcase (460), a crankshaft (31), a main shaft (41), a clutch (44), a push rode (461), a clutch release cylinder (465), a drive shaft (42), a transmission (43), a drive sprocket (426), a protector (466), and a sprocket cover (472). The crankshaft, the main shaft and the drive shaft are provided along the widthwise direction of the motorcycle. The main shaft is provided above the drive shaft. The push rod is inserted into the through hole (41G) of the main shaft. The clutch release cylinder is arranged to release the clutch by pushing the push rod and is provided to overhang the drive sprocket and overlap the drive sprocket. The protector is provided between the crankcase and the clutch release cylinder and around the projection portion (461B) of the push rod projecting from the main shaft. The sprocket cover is provided to cover the drive sprocket and the protector.