Motorcycle USB Port Layout for Easier Plugging and Water Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In saddle-ride type vehicles, attaching and detaching a USB plug is complicated, especially with gloved hands or in dark conditions, and there is a need for easier insertion and a structure that accommodates various communication functions beyond power supply.

Innovation Solution

A USB terminal unit disposition structure with a recessed and tapered design that exposes the terminal connection port on the front side of a shielding portion, featuring a display portion and a cord holder to facilitate easy insertion and enhance waterproofing, with the port facing downward to prevent water and dust ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the USB terminal unit is installed on the vehicle side, then communication functions can be added, but insertion and detachment become difficult when wearing gloves or in dark places

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionsVSAvoidinsertion and detachment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the orientation of the USB terminal unit from a horizontal installation (parallel to the vehicle body) to a vertical installation (perpendicular to the vehicle body). This dimensional change allows the connection terminal to face upward, making it easily accessible to the driver's hand while maintaining waterproof protection through the vehicle body structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle body structure serves as an intermediary element that provides both protection and accessibility. By installing the USB terminal unit through the vehicle body with the connection terminal facing upward, the vehicle body acts as a mediator that shields the internal components while exposing the connection interface to the external environment for easy access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the connection terminal is exposed for easy access, then insertion is easier, but water and dust can enter the terminal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion easeVSAvoidwater and dust ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The USB terminal unit structure is segmented into two distinct parts: the connection terminal portion that faces upward for easy access, and the internal terminal portion that remains protected within the vehicle body. This segmentation allows the external connection interface to be exposed while the internal components remain shielded from water and dust.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle body structure serves as an intermediary barrier that separates the external connection terminal from the internal protected terminal. This intermediary structure allows electrical connection while physically blocking water and dust from reaching the internal components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3778361B1USB terminal unit disposition structure of saddle ride type vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3778361B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3778361B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3778361B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This USB terminal unit disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a USB terminal unit (52) into and from which a connection terminal (51) of an external device is inserted and detached; and a vehicle body side attachment component (26) to which the USB terminal unit (52) is attached, wherein the vehicle body side attachment part (26) is disposed on a back side of a shielding portion (27b) to shield the USB terminal unit (52), and wherein the shielding portion (27b) includes a vehicle body side opening (31) that exposes a terminal connection port (53) of the USB terminal unit (52) on a front side of the shielding portion (27b), and a recess (32) obtained by recessing a periphery of the vehicle body side opening (31) from the front side of the shielding portion (27b).