Motorcycle Box-Like Body Integrating Airbox and Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motorcycles face limitations in mechanical rigidity/mass ratio, aerodynamics, and component arrangement due to the presence of a traditional frame, which increases design complexity and costs while affecting thermal management and component placement.

Innovation Solution

A motorcycle design that eliminates the traditional frame by using a box-like body made of lightweight materials to support the engine and other components, incorporating a box-like body that functions as both an airbox and structural support, optimizing air flow and thermal exchange, and allowing for improved component arrangement and rationalization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traditional frame is used to support the engine and components, then mechanical strength and structural stability are ensured, but the rigidity/mass ratio deteriorates and design freedom is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidframe mass
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the frame structure with the airbox into a single integrated component. The airbox serves dual functions: as an air intake reservoir and as part of the vehicle's structural frame, eliminating the need for a separate traditional frame while maintaining both aerodynamic and structural requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The airbox is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as an air intake system component, provides structural support as a frame element, and contributes to the vehicle's aerodynamics. This multi-functionality reduces overall vehicle mass while maintaining necessary structural strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a traditional frame is used for structural support, then component positioning is stable, but aerodynamics and thermal management are adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent positioning stabilityVSAvoidaerodynamic resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The frame and airbox are merged into a single aerodynamically optimized structure that reduces air resistance while maintaining component positioning stability. The integrated design allows air to flow more efficiently around the engine area without compromising structural support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If a traditional frame is used, then structural rigidity is maintained, but design complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the frame and airbox into one integrated structure, the patent reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps. This merger simplifies the overall design while maintaining the necessary structural rigidity through the unified structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated airbox-frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously, reducing the total number of components needed. This multi-functionality approach simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If separate frame and airbox structures are used, then structural support is adequate, but air flow and thermal exchange are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidthermal exchange efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the airbox with the frame structure creates optimized air flow paths that improve thermal exchange. The unified structure allows better positioning of air intake and exhaust pathways, enhancing cooling efficiency without compromising structural support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design enhances the rigidity/mass ratio, improves aerodynamics, and simplifies component placement, leading to efficient cooling and rationalized planning of the electric and cooling circuits, while reducing design complexity and costs.

Implementation Method 1

improved aerodynamics that is wherein the air flows downwards the usual radiator and directed towards the engine are optimized so as to increase the thermal exchange with the radiator itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow optimization: Convection

Implementation Method 2

increase the thermal exchange with the radiator itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP2130753B1Motorcycle
Publication Date: 2013.04.10 DUCATI MOTOR HLDG
  • EP2130753B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2130753B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2130753B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A motorcycle comprises a propelling group or engine (2), a saddle support (3), a support (4) for the rear wheel (5) and a front directional group (10) comprising a handlebar integral to a steering headstock (11) functionally associated to a supporting organ (12) of the vehicle front wheel (6). Such front group (10) is connected to a box- like body (20) incorporating the function of filtering box, constrained to the engine (2) and apt to support the latter by connecting it, therethrough, to said front directional group (10), said support (4) for the rear wheel (5) and said saddle support (3) being constrained to the engine (2), the vehicle being not equipped with additional members apt to constrain said engine (2) to such front directional group (10).