Motorcycle Height Adjusting Motor Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motorcycle vehicle height adjusting devices face challenges in compact design, as they often obstruct the driver's leg and are not adequately protected from water and dust, especially in touring motorcycles with limited internal space.
Innovation Solution
The motorcycle incorporates a pump unit with a hydraulic pump and motor positioned under the seat, between the seat frames, which reduces the overall size and increases stability by lowering the center of gravity, while a protective cover enhances durability against water and dust exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle height adjusting motor is disposed laterally of the seat frame, then the motor is accessible for adjustment, but the motor obstructs the driver's leg and is not protected from water and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle height adjusting motor is nested within the pump unit housing, which is integrated into the suspension assembly. This nested configuration protects the motor from water and dust while maintaining compact dimensions. The motor is positioned within the structural envelope of the suspension system rather than externally mounted.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is repositioned from a lateral external mounting to an integrated position within the pump unit housing. This dimensional reconfiguration places the motor inside the protected volume of the suspension assembly, eliminating exposure to harmful elements while preventing leg obstruction.
2Volume of moving object
If the vehicle height adjusting motor and hydraulic pump are disposed inside the vehicle, then the motorcycle size is reduced, but there is virtually no extra space available, especially in touring motorcycles
Solution Approach 1:
The pump unit housing serves multiple functions: it protects the motor, houses the hydraulic pump, provides structural support for the suspension assembly, and integrates with the seat frame mounting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective housings and mounting structures, maximizing space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor and hydraulic pump are merged into a single integrated pump unit assembly, which is then integrated into the suspension system. This consolidation eliminates separate mounting spaces and reduces overall component volume while maintaining all necessary functions.
3Volume of moving object
If the pump unit overlaps the swing region of the rear wheel, then the motorcycle size is reduced, but the pump unit may be subjected to vibration and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The pump unit housing is designed with vibration isolation features and shock-absorbing mounting structures that are built-in from the design stage. These protective elements cushion the motor and pump against vibrations and mechanical stresses from the rear wheel swing region before harmful effects can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump unit housing incorporates flexible vibration-dampening materials and elastic mounting elements that absorb mechanical shocks and vibrations. These flexible components protect the sensitive motor and pump mechanisms while allowing the pump unit to occupy the space overlapping the rear wheel swing region.
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 allows for efficient use of internal space, reduces the motorcycle's size and weight, enhances driver comfort by avoiding leg obstruction, and improves stability and durability of the vehicle height adjusting system.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump to feed oil to the hydraulic jack
Implementation Method 2
The damper absorbs shocks between the vehicle body frame and the rear wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
A motorcycle comprising a seat (3) supported on a pair of seat frames (7) of a vehicle body frame (2), a rear wheel (Wr) being disposed under the pair of seat frames (7) in a side view, and being swingable in the up-down direction, a damper (21) comprising a hydraulic jack (36) for adjusting the vehicle height, a pump unit (25) including a hydraulic pump (37) to feed oil to the hydraulic jack (36) and a vehicle height adjusting motor (39) to drive the hydraulic pump (37) wherein the vehicle height adjusting motor (39) is located under the seat (3), and is disposed between the pair of seat frames (7) in a plan view.