Motorcycle Side Cover Forward Extension for Compact Rear Body
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scooter-type motorcycles face challenges in achieving a compact rear vehicle body while ensuring a sufficient length of the seat and an easy-to-grip rear bar, as existing designs either result in a large rear portion or a short seat length due to the positioning of side covers and taillight units.
Innovation Solution
The design features side covers that extend forward and upward from their lower ends, positioning the taillight unit rearward of the side covers and the rear bar above it, allowing for a compact rear portion with adequate seat length and easy grip, by ensuring the lower edge of the side covers does not overlap the rear wheel and providing a wide space for the rear bar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the lower edge of side covers extends rearward and upward above the rear wheel, then the rear portion of the vehicle body becomes larger, but the compactness of the rear vehicle body deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side covers extend forward and upward from their lower ends, utilizing the forward-direction dimension rather than extending rearward. This dimensional reorientation allows the taillight unit to be positioned rearward of the side covers while maintaining a compact rear vehicle body profile, effectively resolving the contradiction between side cover positioning and rear body compactness.
2Shape
If the rear end of side covers extends rearward and upward, then the space between rear bar and side covers is reduced, but the ease of gripping the rear bar deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the extension direction of the side covers from rearward-upward to forward-upward, the patent creates sufficient vertical space between the rear bar and side covers. This dimensional change ensures that the rear bar remains easily accessible and grippable while maintaining the desired side cover configuration.
3Shape
If the lower edge of side covers is positioned to allow rear wheel swing, then the seat length is reduced, but the seat comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The side covers extend forward and upward rather than rearward, which preserves the full length of the seat in the forward-rearward direction. This dimensional reorientation allows the lower edge of the side covers to be positioned at an appropriate height for rear wheel swing clearance while maintaining adequate seat length for rider comfort.
Data Source
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AI summary
A motorcycle (1) includes: a seat (24); a rear wheel (22) capable of swinging; and side covers (45) that each cover the vehicle body below the seat (24) and above the rear wheel (22). The motorcycle (1) includes: a license plate bracket (55) that extends downward from the lower ends of the side covers (45); a taillight unit (52) disposed rearward of the rear ends of the side covers (45); and a rear bar (53) disposed rearward of the seat (24) and above the taillight unit (52). The lower edge of each side cover (45) is positioned at a height where it does not overlap the rear wheel (22) in a side view. The rear end of each side cover (45) extends forward and upward from the lower end of the rear end in a side view. A rear portion of the seat (24) overlaps a front portion of the taillight unit (52) in a plan view.