Motorcycle Seat Support Structure Reducing Weight and Fabrication Defects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat-supporting structures for motorcycles are heavy due to multiple connected tubes, leading to increased power consumption and are prone to defects from complex fabrication processes, which compromise strength and weight reduction.
Innovation Solution
A seat-supporting structure with load-bearing structures in a zig-zag shape, fabricated in a single mold, featuring multiple openings and ribs to resist stress and vibration, and a simplified main skeleton with fewer welding points, using a rigid material like aluminum alloy to maintain strength while reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple connected tubes are used to construct the seat-supporting structure, then the strength to withstand deformation forces is improved, but the weight increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat-supporting structure is divided into multiple load-bearing components (first load-bearing component, second load-bearing component, third load-bearing component) that are detachably connected. Each component can be independently manufactured and assembled, allowing for weight optimization while maintaining overall structural strength through the distributed load-bearing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing components feature nested tubular structures where inner tubes are positioned within outer tubes (e.g., first inner tube within first outer tube, second inner tube within second outer tube). This nesting arrangement provides enhanced strength-to-weight ratio by creating composite structural elements that resist deformation forces while minimizing material usage.
2Strength
If multiple connected tubes with multiple welding points are used, then the strength is improved, but the fabrication complexity and defect rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into detachable load-bearing components that can be manufactured separately using standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex multi-step welding processes, allowing each component to be fabricated independently with fewer welding points, thereby reducing fabrication complexity and defect rates while maintaining structural integrity through the detachable connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized connection interfaces act as intermediaries between the load-bearing components, replacing direct welding connections. These interfaces enable detachable assembly of components that would otherwise require complex welding, simplifying the fabrication process and reducing the skill level and precision required during manufacturing.
3Strength
If multiple connected tubes are used to meet strength requirements, then the strength is improved, but the number of welding steps increases leading to more defects
Solution Approach 1:
The seat-supporting structure is segmented into separate load-bearing components with detachable connections, eliminating the need for extensive welding operations. Each component can be manufactured and tested independently, allowing for better quality control and reduced accumulation of welding defects, thereby improving overall reliability while maintaining the necessary strength through the modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized connection interfaces serve as intermediaries that replace multiple welding joints with detachable mechanical connections. This substitution reduces the number of potential defect points associated with welding (such as porosity, cracks, and incomplete penetration) while maintaining structural strength through the engineered connection mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a seat-supporting structure 100 for mounting on a motorcycle frame 10 having a main skeleton 200. Said seat-supporting structure comprises two load-bearing structures 102 positioned under a seat 5 of said motorcycle frame 10 to support a load on the seat 5. Each of said load-bearing structures 102 includes a base portion 104, a middle portion 106, and a top portion 108. Said base portion 104 is located at the bottom of said load-bearing structure 102 and has a branch portion 104a and a frame-mounting portion 104b, wherein such branch portion 104a extends upward in a diagonally backward direction and such frame-mounting portion 104b is mounted on the main skeleton 200. The middle portion 106 extends from the branch portion 104a of the base portion 104 upward in a diagonally forward direction. And the top portion 108 extends from an upper part of the middle portion 106 upward in a diagonally backward direction to receive the load. Each of said load-bearing structures 102 includes multiple openings 120 and ribs 130 so as to resist stress from the load and vibration while the motorcycle 1 is in motion.