Multi-Material Motorcycle Frame Layout for Compact Component Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cruise motorcycles face challenges in achieving a compact internal space while maintaining superior driver body positioning and appearance due to limited coverage area of plastic parts, which hinders the integration of electrical systems and other components.
Innovation Solution
A motorcycle frame design utilizing a combination of materials with varying properties, including steel for main and sub-frames, aluminum for tailframes, and specific alloys for connection fittings, along with a vehicle cover that partially covers the frame, to optimize structural strength and reduce weight, allowing for a more compact and efficient layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If plastic parts coverage area is reduced to maintain cruise motorcycle style, then driver body positioning and appearance are improved, but internal space for electrical systems and components becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the battery within the vehicle cover's internal cavity space, and positioning the controller within the battery housing. This nested arrangement allows electrical components to be integrated into the existing structural envelope without requiring additional external space, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining compact plastic coverage and accommodating electrical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the battery above the rear wheel assembly and the controller within the battery housing's vertical space. This three-dimensional arrangement efficiently packs electrical components into the available vertical envelope created by the vehicle cover structure, maximizing space utilization without compromising the cruise motorcycle's aesthetic profile.
2Weight of moving object
If frame weight is reduced to improve motorcycle performance, then fuel efficiency and handling are improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using aluminum alloy for the tailframe where weight reduction is prioritized for handling and fuel efficiency, while maintaining steel construction for the main frame and sub-frame where structural strength is critical for overall vehicle integrity. This localized material selection resolves the contradiction by optimizing weight distribution based on functional requirements of different frame sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining aluminum alloy tailframe with steel main frame and sub-frame, creating a hybrid structure that leverages the weight advantages of aluminum and the strength advantages of steel. This composite approach allows the motorcycle to achieve reduced overall weight while maintaining necessary structural strength through strategic material placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A motorcycle has a main frame with main frame tubes formed of a first material such as 30CrMo steel tubing. A sub-frame with sub-frame tubes of the first material extends longitudinally and is detachably connected behind the main frame. A middle frame with vertically-extending legs provided by castings is behind the main frame, cast of a second material such as from ZGD410-700 stainless steel. A tailframe is detachably connected behind the sub-frame, the tailframe having tailframe plates of a third material, such as being cast from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. A thickness of the tailframe plates is in the transverse direction. A bottom support is substantially arranged below the main frame, detachably connected to the main frame and to the middle frame. Connection fittings formed of a fourth material such as forged 30CrMo steel can be used for the detachable connections of the tubes.