Motorcycle Shroud Segmentation for Airflow and Attachment Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorcycle shrouds face limitations in flexibility of shape and attachment strength due to increased air force during travel, which compromises the amount of air directed to the engine and restricts design enhancements.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an airflow path between inner and outer lateral members of the shroud, with fin portions directing air streams and a fixation system to balance air forces, enhancing attachment strength and flexibility while allowing for increased airflow to the engine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the shroud is enlarged to increase the amount of air directed to the engine, then the air cooling efficiency is improved, but the attachment strength of the shroud deteriorates due to large air force during travelling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine cooling efficiencyVSAvoidattachment strength of shroud

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The shroud is divided into an inner lateral member and an outer lateral member that are provided separately from each other. This segmentation allows the shroud to be enlarged for better air cooling while distributing and reducing the air force impact on individual members, preventing attachment strength deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An airflow path is created between the inner lateral member and the outer lateral member. This intermediate airflow path allows air to flow through the shroud structure, improving engine cooling efficiency while the path itself acts as a mediator that reduces the direct force impact on the attachment portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the shroud shape is modified to increase airflow to the engine, then the cooling performance is improved, but the design flexibility is restricted due to attachment strength requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair cooling performanceVSAvoidshape flexibility of shroud

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the shroud into inner and outer lateral members, the design gains flexibility in shaping each member independently to optimize airflow patterns while maintaining attachment strength. Each member can be configured separately to achieve desired cooling performance without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shroud design utilizes the spatial dimension between the inner and outer lateral members to create an airflow path. This dimensional approach allows flexible shaping of the shroud for optimal airflow while the separation itself helps manage air force impacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If the outer lateral member is extended rearward to increase airflow path, then the amount of air directed to engine is increased, but the force received from air stream increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of air directed to engineVSAvoidair stream force on shroud

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation into inner and outer lateral members allows the airflow path to be extended rearward between them, increasing the quantity of air directed to the engine. The segmented structure distributes the air stream force across multiple surfaces rather than concentrating it on a single extended member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution increases attachment strength and flexibility of the shroud, enabling more air to be directed to the engine while maintaining structural integrity and reducing design restrictions, thus improving performance and cooling efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The inner lateral member and the outer lateral member produce an airflow path therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow:

Implementation Method 2

A fin portion for directing an air stream toward the backwards is disposed between the inner lateral member and the outer lateral member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow direction control:

Data Source

PatentEP2792586B1Motorcycle

Publication Date: 2015.12.23 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

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AI summary

A shroud (21) is attached to a fuel tank (5), while being disposed laterally outwards of the fuel tank. The shroud includes a front end portion (211) positioned forwards of the fuel tank. The shroud is disposed separately from a head light unit (16). The shroud includes an inner lateral member (31) and an outer lateral member (32). The outer lateral member is provided separately from the inner lateral member. The outer lateral member is disposed laterally outwards of the inner lateral member. The inner lateral member and the outer lateral member produce an airflow path therebetween. The inner lateral member includes an inner lateral member rear portion (48). The inner lateral member rear portion is positioned rearwards of a rear edge (33) of the outer lateral member in a vehicle side view.