Motorcycle Fender Mounting Assembly with Concealed Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle accessory mounting systems are complex and visually unappealing, with visible bolts and support plates that detract from the aesthetic design of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly comprising a bracket with a base plate, cover plate, standoff, mounting slot, upper recess, and lower recess, along with a latch system that allows for the secure and removable attachment of accessories, integrating the mounting hardware into the motorcycle's aesthetic design and providing vibration reduction through elastomeric components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex assortment of bolts and support plates is used to attach saddlebags, then the mounting strength and reliability are improved, but the visual appearance deteriorates due to visible mounting hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting hardware (bolts, support plates) is extracted from the visible exterior and concealed within the fender structure. The system uses internal mounting brackets that are hidden from view, while only aesthetic cover plates are visible on the vehicle surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system employs a nested structure where the mounting bracket is positioned within the fender, the cover plate overlays the bracket, and the accessory is attached to the bracket. This nested arrangement conceals the functional mounting hardware while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
2Strength
If traditional bolt and support plate mounting is used, then the accessory attachment strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple visible components
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, conceals mounting hardware, and serves as the attachment point for accessories. The cover plate merges aesthetic coverage with structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various accessories while providing consistent mounting strength and aesthetic coverage. The same bracket structure serves multiple purposes across different mounting locations.
3Ease of manufacture
If visible bolts and support plates are used for mounting, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate acts as an intermediary element between the functional mounting bracket and the visible vehicle surface. It mediates between the need for simple bolted connections and the desire for aesthetic appearance by concealing the hardware while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a secure mounting system is used to prevent accessory movement, then the stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removal and reattachment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic removable connection. The bracket and cover plate assembly allows for easy insertion and removal of accessories while maintaining stable attachment during use, enabling flexible reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system for removably mounting an accessory on a fender of a motorcycle includes a mounting bracket, mounting tab, and latch. The mounting bracket is configured to be mounted on the fender. The mounting bracket includes a base plate, cover plate, standoff, mounting slot, upper recess and lower recess. The base plate is disposed upon the fender. The cover plate is configured to cover a portion of the base plate. The standoff is sandwiched between the base plate and the cover plate. The mounting slot is disposed between the base plate and the cover plate. The mounting slot is generated by the standoff being disposed between the base plate and cover plate. The upper recess is disposed at an upper edge of the mounting bracket between the base plate and the cover plate. The lower recess is disposed at a lower edge of the mounting bracket between the base plate and the cover plate. The mounting tab is configured to mate with the mounting slot. The mounting tab is affixed to a first accessory. The latch is affixed to a second accessory. The latch includes an upper jaw configured to mate with the upper recess and a lower jaw configured to mate with the lower recess.