Motorcycle Monocoque Frame with Engine Suspension and Constant Tension Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motorcycle designs face limitations in lean angle, aerodynamics, oscillation damping, foot protection, and maintenance efficiency, with a need for improved cornering, handling, and reduced wind resistance while maintaining constant belt tension and anti-squat characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A high-performance motorcycle design featuring a monocoque frame with a lowered rider position, engine suspension system for damping oscillations, and a rear suspension system that maintains constant belt tension and anti-squat characteristics through innovative pulley positioning and adjustable linkages, along with a lightweight and unified frame configuration for enhanced traction and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the rider position is lowered to reduce center of gravity and improve aerodynamics, then aerodynamic performance and handling are improved, but the risk of foot/peg contact with the ground during cornering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footrests are repositioned from a conventional location to a position forward of the drive shaft, changing the spatial dimension of foot placement. This dimensional change allows the rider's feet to be positioned away from the ground contact path during cornering, enabling a lower rider position without increasing the risk of foot/peg contact.
2Weight of moving object
If the motorcycle frame is designed as a unified monocoque structure to reduce weight, then weight is reduced and handling is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monocoque frame is constructed using separate molded sections that are subsequently joined together. This segmentation allows each section to be manufactured independently using efficient molding processes, then assembled into the complete unified frame structure, reducing overall weight while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Reliability
If the rear suspension system is designed to provide constant anti-squat characteristics, then traction and handling are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rear suspension employs a linkage system with adjustable link lengths that can be modified to achieve constant anti-squat characteristics throughout the suspension travel. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to maintain optimal traction characteristics while using relatively simple mechanical components.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the final drive belt is positioned to provide constant tension, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the rear suspension system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rear suspension linkage system is designed to simultaneously perform multiple functions: providing constant anti-squat characteristics for traction and maintaining constant belt tension for power transmission efficiency. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
5Loss of time
If the engine and transmission are designed for rapid removal to reduce maintenance time, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The engine and transmission are designed as a separable unit with standardized mounting interfaces that allow rapid removal and reinstallation. This segmentation maintains structural integrity through robust mounting points while enabling quick maintenance access, reducing downtime without compromising frame strength.
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
The design enhances lean angle, reduces wind resistance, improves handling and safety, maintains constant belt tension, and simplifies maintenance by allowing rapid engine and transmission removal, while providing foot protection and cost-effective rear suspension.
Implementation Method 1
engine suspension system capable of damping frame oscillations
Implementation Method 2
rear suspension system that provides constant belt tension and exhibits constant anti-squat characteristics
Implementation Method 3
lightweight aerodynamic motorcycle frame design having improved cornering and handling characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A high performance motorcycle having a frame, engine suspension, and rear wheel drive system that enables rider foot positioning close to the longitudinal centerline of the motorcycle and an overall aerodynamic profile. The engine suspension, centering and damping system allows for lateral movement while damping vibration and unwanted oscillations. The rear wheel drive includes a driven pulley axially disposed on a rear wheel axle, a drive pulley configured to receive motive output from the motorcycle engine, an idler pulley disposed above a line between the axes of rotation of the drive pulley and the rear wheel axle, and a belt or chain disposed around and operatively connecting the drive pulley, the driven pulley and the idler pulley, wherein the idler pulley and the drive pulley configured so as to provide substantially constant tension to a belt or chain over the range of travel of the rear suspension.