Motorcycle Sensor Nesting in Rear Covering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration of obstruction detection devices externally attached to the rear cowl of straddle vehicles leads to vehicle body upsizing, which is a common issue across various types of straddle vehicles, including motorcycles.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the sensor into the internal space of the rear covering or rear stay, positioning it closer to the connecting portion than the rear end component, thereby preventing or reducing vehicle body upsizing by eliminating the need for external attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is externally attached to the rear covering, then the sensor can be easily installed and accessed, but the vehicle body size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated into the internal space of the rear covering, nesting the sensor within the existing vehicle structure. This eliminates the need for external attachment while maintaining sensor functionality, thereby preventing vehicle body upsizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor and rear covering are merged into a single integrated structure. The sensor is positioned within the internal space of the rear covering, combining two previously separate components (sensor and rear covering) into one unified assembly, which prevents additional space requirements.
2Length of stationary object
If the sensor is integrated into the internal space of the rear covering or rear stay, then vehicle body upsizing is prevented, but the sensor installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal space of the rear covering or rear stay is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses both the sensor and other rear end components. This multi-functional design allows the sensor to be integrated without requiring additional dedicated space, thereby reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding the sensor in the external longitudinal direction (which would increase vehicle length), the sensor is positioned within the internal space along the vehicle width or height dimensions. This dimensional repositioning allows sensor integration without extending the vehicle body length.
3Length of stationary object
If the sensor is positioned closer to the connecting portion, then space is saved and vehicle body upsizing is prevented, but the sensor may be more susceptible to vibrations from the engine
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within the internal space of the rear covering or rear stay, which provides a protective enclosure. This nesting arrangement allows the sensor to be positioned close to the connecting portion (saving space) while the surrounding structure shields it from vibration exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear covering or rear stay acts as an intermediary structure between the sensor and the external environment. It provides mechanical isolation, buffering the sensor from vibrations generated by the engine while allowing the sensor to be positioned in the space-efficient internal location.
Data Source
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AI summary
A motorcycle (1) includes a tail lamp (41), a rear covering (32), rear end components which are a license plate (44) and a license lamp (46), a rear stay (33), and a sensor (60). The tail lamp (41) emits light toward the rear side. The rear covering (32) is provided with the tail lamp (41). The rear end components are disposed more rearward than the rear covering (32). The rear stay (33) extends at least rearward from a connecting portion connected to the rear covering (32), and supports the rear end components. The sensor (60) for sensing an object rearward is at least partially received in an internal space (111) that is formed either in the rear covering (32) or in the rear stay (33).