Motorcycle Fuel Tank Layout with Flexible Filler Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle designs face challenges in conveniently locating and shaping fuel and coolant liquid tanks, as well as their respective caps, which affects refueling efficiency, overall appearance, and dimension, with prior solutions failing to ensure easy accessibility and protection during refueling.
Innovation Solution
The tanks and caps are positioned close to each other, with a receiving pan that allows for alternative hiding and exposure, using a rubber material for easy operation, and an integrated design within the motorcycle's frame to simplify assembly and reduce assembly costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the fuel tank and coolant liquid reservoir are located far from each other to match the overall shape and appearance of the motorcycle, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the refueling operation becomes more complex and time-consuming due to long filler tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the filler tube flexible and movable rather than rigid and fixed. The filler tube can dynamically adjust its position and length to bridge the gap between the filler cap and fuel tank, allowing the system to adapt to the spatial separation while maintaining ease of refueling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the spatial contradiction by utilizing three-dimensional space more effectively. The filler tube is routed through the frame structure in a multi-dimensional path, allowing the filler cap to be positioned for easy access while the fuel tank maintains its aesthetic positioning, thus solving the problem by adding spatial complexity rather than compromising either appearance or operability
2Ease of operation
If the fuel cap is positioned for easy access to simplify refueling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the fuel tank location becomes constrained by the frame space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the filler cap positioning function from the fuel tank positioning function. The filler cap can be independently positioned at the frame for easy access, while the fuel tank can be independently positioned within the frame space for aesthetic and structural reasons. This segmentation allows both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously without compromising either ease of operation or device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible filler tube acts as an intermediary element that connects the filler cap (positioned for easy access) and the fuel tank (positioned within frame constraints). This intermediary component absorbs the spatial and functional differences between the two elements, allowing them to be optimally positioned independently while maintaining system functionality
3Adaptability or versatility
If a long fuel filler tube is used to connect the filler cap and fuel tank, then the flexibility in positioning is improved, but the stability and resistance against vibrations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible filler tube constructed from elastic materials that can bend and flex without breaking. This flexible tube maintains positioning versatility while inherently damping vibrations through its elastic properties, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability by using material flexibility to provide both movement capability and vibration resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic filler tube provides beforehand cushioning against vibrations and shocks that may occur during motorcycle operation. The material's inherent elasticity acts as a shock absorber, protecting the connection between the filler cap and fuel tank from vibration-induced damage while maintaining the flexibility needed for positioning adaptability
Data Source
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AI summary
A motorcycle includes a lid (12) for opening and closing an opening (7d) formed on a vehicle body cover (7), a first cap (10b) disposed in the opening (7d) to open and close a supply port of a first liquid tank (10), a second cap (13b) for opening and closing a supply port of a second liquid tank (13), and a cap cover (11e) for covering the second cap (13b) and exposing the second cap (13b) in an open state of the lid (12).