Motorcycle Fuel Tank Arrangement for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Two-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles, face challenges in maintaining stability and preventing tip-overs due to the placement of components that affect the center of gravity and the design of suspension systems, which can lead to damage during unintended tilting.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a configuration of fuel storage tanks positioned forward to lower and shift the center of gravity, a rear suspension system with a shock absorber and linkage, and a tip-over prevention system using support members to prevent damage during unintended tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the fuel storage tank is positioned forward to lower and shift the center of gravity, then stability is enhanced, but the steering assembly becomes more complex in configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The steering assembly is divided into three distinct portions: an upper portion above the fuel tank, a lower portion below the fuel tank, and a middle portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to be independently positioned and configured, enabling the middle portion to extend rearward of the fuel tank while maintaining overall steering functionality and simplifying the integration with the shifted center of gravity configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering assembly extends in multiple spatial dimensions, particularly in the longitudinal direction with the middle portion extending rearward beyond the fuel tank's front vertical plane. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the steering mechanism to accommodate the forward-positioned fuel tank while maintaining proper steering geometry and control.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the suspension system is positioned higher to improve stability, then cargo-carrying capacity increases, but the exhaust system routing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system utilizes the vertical dimension by passing under the swingarm and rear suspension assembly. This routing strategy allows the exhaust to traverse the vehicle's width while clearing the elevated suspension components, avoiding interference and simplifying the overall system integration despite the higher suspension position.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust system is positioned at different heights at different locations: it passes under the swingarm in the rear region while maintaining lower clearance. This localized positioning allows the exhaust to clear the higher suspension system in critical areas while maintaining efficient exhaust flow and access to the engine.
3Reliability
If components are repositioned to prevent tip-overs, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering assembly is segmented into upper, middle, and lower portions that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the middle portion to extend rearward of the fuel tank, creating a configuration that lowers the center of gravity and improves stability without requiring additional tip-over prevention devices, thereby maintaining reliability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The repositioned steering assembly and fuel tank configuration serves multiple functions: it lowers the center of gravity for improved stability, maintains steering functionality, and inherently provides tip-over prevention through the balanced weight distribution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tip-over prevention mechanisms.
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 enhances stability, increases cargo-carrying capacity, and reduces the risk of damage from unintended tilting by balancing the load between the front and rear wheels and providing support during tip-overs.
Implementation Method 1
a suspension system coupled to the swing arm and to the frame. The suspension system including a shock absorber and a linkage coupled to the shock absorber
Implementation Method 2
The spring may be an coil over shock spring or a progressive rate spring
Data Source
AI summary
A two-wheeled vehicle, a touring motorcycle, is disclosed. The touring motorcycle may include multiple fuel storage tanks arranged in a split side-by-side configuration. The touring motorcycle may include a rear suspension having a linkage which moves in a direction not parallel with a centerline plane of the motorcycle. The touring motorcycle may include a tip-over structure which prevents unwanted tip-over of the motorcycle.