Motorcycle Radiator Positioning for Cooling and Bulkiness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle designs face challenges in achieving effective cooling with reduced lateral bulkiness, as radiators placed in various positions, such as front, transverse, or lateral, result in increased bulkiness and insufficient cooling air flow, making it difficult to integrate a radiator compatible with the architecture of a road motorcycle.
Innovation Solution
Positioning the engine-coolant radiator behind the steering column, extending laterally on either side of the median longitudinal vertical plane, with the upper edge above the upper third of the steering column axis, and tilting the radiator's median plane by −20° to +20° relative to the vertical plane, allows for optimal cooling while minimizing lateral bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the radiator is placed at the front in a large size for effective cooling, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but lateral bulkiness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the radiator from traditional horizontal placement to a vertical orientation behind the steering column. This dimensional change allows the radiator to extend vertically rather than laterally, achieving effective cooling surface area without increasing the motorcycle's width. The vertical positioning behind the steering column utilizes previously unused vertical space in the front section of the motorcycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The air intake system is positioned to supply cooling air to the radiator in advance, with the air intake configured to be housed between the tubes of the steering column. This preliminary positioning of the air intake ensures that cooling air is delivered to the radiator before the cooling process begins, maintaining adequate airflow without requiring additional lateral space.
2Area of stationary object
If the radiator is arranged vertically under the steering column, then lateral bulkiness is reduced, but wheelbase increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake is preliminarily positioned between the tubes of the steering column to supply cooling air to the vertically arranged radiator. This preliminary positioning of the air intake system allows the radiator to be placed vertically behind the steering column without requiring additional lateral space, while the vertical orientation prevents wheelbase extension.
3Ease of manufacture
If the radiator is offset laterally on one side, then installation space is created, but lateral bulkiness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiator is segmented into two lateral portions that extend on either side of the median longitudinal vertical plane of the motorcycle. This segmentation allows the radiator to be distributed symmetrically around the centerline, creating installation space on both sides while maintaining balanced lateral proportions and avoiding excessive bulkiness on either side.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiator is positioned asymmetrically relative to traditional centerline placement, extending laterally on either side of the median plane rather than being concentrated on one side. This asymmetric distribution creates installation space while maintaining aesthetic and functional balance.
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 provides effective cooling with reduced lateral bulkiness, ensuring efficient airflow and maintaining the motorcycle's architecture, as the radiator is positioned to maximize cooling efficiency without increasing the motorcycle's width or wheelbase.
Implementation Method 1
at least one engine-coolant radiator positioned behind the steering column
Implementation Method 2
The flow of cooling air is provided by an air intake supplying the airbox of the engine as well as the radiator
Data Source
AI summary
A motorcycle comprising a frame with a side structure supporting a liquid-cooled engine, comprising at least one engine-coolant radiator, characterized in that said engine-coolant radiator is positioned behind the steering column and extends laterally on either side of the median longitudinal vertical plane of the motorcycle, the upper edge of said radiator being positioned above a horizontal plane passing through a point located in the upper two thirds of the axis of the steering column, said frame with a side structure having a housing for receiving the upper portion of said engine-coolant radiator, the engine-coolant radiator being positioned substantially vertical, the median plane of the radiator forming an angle of −20° to +20° relative to the vertical plane.