Motorcycle Tie Down Bracket Frame Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle transport configurations place significant stress on the suspension during transport, as they often rely on the steering assembly for securement, leading to potential damage from vibrations and shocks.
Innovation Solution
A tie down bracket system that attaches to the motorcycle's frame near its center of gravity, using a central bar with end plates to secure the motorcycle to a transport surface, minimizing stress on the suspension and eliminating the need for separate front wheel chocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering assembly is used for securement, then the motorcycle can be easily secured to the transport surface, but significant stress is placed on the suspension system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the securement function from the steering assembly and suspension system, creating a dedicated tie-down bracket that attaches directly to the motorcycle frame. This separates the securement load path from the suspension system, eliminating stress on suspension components while maintaining ease of operation through the bracket's simple attachment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie-down bracket acts as an intermediary component between the motorcycle and transport surface. It provides a dedicated attachment point on the frame that distributes securement forces across the frame structure rather than concentrating them on the steering assembly or suspension components.
2Device complexity
If the steering assembly is used for securement, then the setup is simple, but vibrations and shocks can cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration and shock transmission path from the steering assembly by creating a separate securement system attached to the frame. This isolation prevents transport vibrations and shocks from being transmitted through the steering components, improving reliability while keeping the system simple through the bracket's straightforward design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design inherently provides cushioning by distributing loads across the frame structure rather than concentrating them on vulnerable steering components. This structural approach cushiones against vibrations and shocks before they can cause damage, rather than adding separate cushioning elements.
3Strength
If a central bar with end plates is used to attach to the frame, then stress on the suspension is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is segmented into distinct functional components: a central bar for frame attachment and end plates for strap attachment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity. The central bar handles frame attachment and load distribution, while the end plates provide securement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The central bar with end plates serves multiple functions: it attaches to the frame, distributes securement loads, and provides multiple attachment points for straps. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, actually simplifying the overall device while achieving the goal of minimizing suspension stress.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for securing a motorcycle to a base surface for transport. In some embodiments, a tie down bracket has a central bar configured for attachment to a frame of the motorcycle at a medial location thereof, such as behind a gas tank and forward of a seat supporting area of the motorcycle. First and second attachment plates are attached to opposing proximal and distal ends of the central bar. Each of the first and second attachment plates is configured to receivingly engage at least a first strap for securement to the base surface and at least a second strap for securement to a handle bar portion of the motorcycle. In this way, the motorcycle is secured to the base surface near a center of gravity of the motorcycle and little or no compressive strain is placed on a front fork suspension of the motorcycle.