Motorcycle Key Cylinder Unlocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle designs require separate unlocking mechanisms for the storage box and fuel filler lids, leading to increased cost and complexity, with a desire for a common unlocking mechanism that can operate both efficiently and cost-effectively.
Innovation Solution
A saddle-ride type vehicle design featuring a key-operated unlocking mechanism with a common key cylinder connected to both the storage box and fuel filler lids via separate cables, allowing selective unlocking of each mechanism with a single key operation, reducing the number of components and improving space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking mechanisms are provided for the storage box lid and fuel filler lid, then each lid can be locked independently, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring multiple locking and unlocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a common unlocking mechanism that can operate both the storage box locking mechanism and the fuel filler lid locking mechanism. The key cylinder is connected to both locking mechanisms through cables, allowing a single key operation to unlock either or both lids, thereby reducing the number of separate unlocking mechanisms while maintaining independent locking capability for each lid
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the unlocking function by providing separate cables connecting the common key cylinder to each locking mechanism. This allows the key cylinder to selectively operate different locking mechanisms through dedicated cable pathways, enabling independent control while using a single unified unlocking interface
2Ease of operation
If separate unlocking operations are required for the storage box and fuel filler lids, then each locking mechanism can be controlled independently, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring multiple separate key operations
Solution Approach 1:
The common key cylinder serves multiple functions by being able to unlock both the storage box lid and the fuel filler lid through its connection to both locking mechanisms via cables. This allows the user to perform both unlocking operations with a single key insertion and turning action, improving ease of operation and eliminating the need for separate unlocking sequences
3Reliability
If a solenoid locking mechanism is used for the storage box lid, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases compared to mechanical locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive solenoid locking mechanism with a mechanical locking mechanism that uses a key cylinder and cable system. This mechanical approach uses simpler, more cost-effective components while achieving the same locking function, thereby reducing manufacturing costs without sacrificing the reliability of the locking capability
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
Enables the use of a single unlocking mechanism to operate both the storage box and fuel filler lids, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining ease of use and improving maintainability, with a compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
a box-side cable and a filler-side cable are connected to the key cylinder, the box-side cable being configured to be caused to unlock a lock of the box-side locking mechanism by turning a key
Implementation Method 2
the filler-side cable being configured to be caused to unlock a lock of the filler-side locking mechanism by turning the key in the other of the clockwise direction and the counter-clockwise
Data Source
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AI summary
In a saddle-ride type vehicle such as a motorcycle, a storage box (21) is provided frontward of a seat (28), with an openable box lid (22) covering an opening of the storage box (21). A fuel filler of a fuel tank (27) is disposed below a pillion seat (31), and the pillion seat (31) can be opened and closed and serves as a filler lid. The box lid (22) and the pillion seat (31) can be locked using a box-side locking mechanism (60) and a filler-side locking mechanism (90), respectively. An unlocking mechanism (50) is provided frontward of a rider seat (30) and rearward of a head pipe (11), and is configured such that one of the box-side locking mechanism (60) and the filler-side locking mechanism (90) is unlocked by turning a key (58) inserted in a key cylinder (51) thereof in one direction, while the other is unlocked by turning the key (58) in the opposite direction. Thus, the unlocking operation for the lids can be performed at a single central position with a simple structure.