Motorcycle Communication Support Layout Below the Headlamp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing straddle-type vehicle designs compromise the appearance and durability of communication devices due to their placement above the headlamp, requiring unnecessary inflation of the instrument cover and potential interference from the headlamp.

Innovation Solution

A support structure for the communication device is positioned below the headlamp unit, utilizing a beak-shaped protruding portion of the front cover to create a secure and inconspicuous space for the device, enhancing its durability and appearance while maintaining effective communication performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the communication device is accommodated in the instrument cover, then the communication device is supported above the headlamp, but the instrument cover needs to be inflated more than necessary and the appearance may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication device supportVSAvoidinstrument cover appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The communication device is extracted from the instrument cover and relocated to a new support structure positioned below the headlamp unit. This separates the communication device from the instrument cover, eliminating the need for the cover to be inflated and preserving its original appearance while maintaining device support functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication device is relocated from the vertical dimension (above the headlamp within the instrument cover) to a different spatial dimension (below the headlamp unit). This dimensional change allows the device to be supported in a location that does not compromise the instrument cover's appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the communication device is positioned above the headlamp, then communication is not inhibited by the headlamp, but the device is exposed to rain and wind reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidrain and wind exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The headlamp unit, which previously blocked communication when the device was positioned below it, is repositioned above the communication device. This inversion allows the headlamp to serve as a protective shelter against rain and wind while maintaining unobstructed communication signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP4361006A1Support structure for communication device

Publication Date: 2024.05.01 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP

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AI summary

A support structure for a communication device (41) mounted on a straddle-type vehicle (1). The support structure includes a headlamp unit (11) configured to illuminate front of the vehicle (1), and a communication device support portion (37) configured to support the communication device (41). The communication device support portion (37) is located below the headlamp unit (11).