Motorcycle Power Connector Layout for Visible Cable Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The power supply connector in existing straddled vehicles is positioned on the rear wall, making it invisible to the driver, thereby complicating the attachment of the power supply cord.

Innovation Solution

The power supply connector is positioned on the side cover and designed for insertion in a forward and downward direction with a rearward and upward ejection, ensuring visibility and ease of connection, and is covered by an elastic member for enhanced aesthetics and maintainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the power supply connector is provided on the rear wall of the article storage, then the connector can be integrated into the existing structure, but the connector becomes invisible to the driver and difficult to access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of power supply connectorVSAvoidvisibility and accessibility of power supply connector
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply connector is repositioned from the rear wall to the front surface of the side cover, changing its spatial dimension and orientation. This allows the connector to be visible and accessible to the driver while maintaining integration with the vehicle structure. The connector is specifically positioned on the front surface of the left side cover, extending in the vehicle width direction, making it easily locatable without complicating the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the power supply connector is exposed on the side cover, then the driver can easily access it, but the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of power supply connectorVSAvoidaesthetic appearance of vehicle
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible cover made of elastic material is used to cover the power supply connector on the front surface of the side cover. This thin, flexible film maintains the aesthetic appearance by concealing the connector while allowing easy access through elastic deformation. The cover can be stretched or pushed to expose the connector when needed, then returns to its original state, thus preserving the vehicle's appearance while ensuring accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the cover is made of rigid material to protect the connector, then the connector is protected, but the cover cannot be easily opened for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of power supply connectorVSAvoidmaintainability of power supply connector
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is constructed from elastic material that provides sufficient protection to the power supply connector while maintaining flexibility. This elastic cover can be easily stretched, pushed, or peeled back to access the connector for maintenance or replacement, then returns to its protective position. The material properties balance protection and accessibility, eliminating the need for complex fastening mechanisms or rigid structures that would hinder maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP4534395B1Straddled vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4534395B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4534395B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4534395B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply connector 59 is provided on a tank shroud 41L such that a power supply cord is inserted into the power supply connector 59 in a forward and downward direction and is pulled out from the power supply connector 59 in a rearward and upward direction. Consequently, the power supply connector 59 is easily visible to a driver even when the driver sits astride the straddled vehicle. As a result, it is easy for the driver to attach the power supply cord to the power supply connector 59.