Motorcyclist Suit Shell Elements Aerodynamic Flow

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorcycle suits with deflectors compromise aerodynamics when the rider is not in a tucked-in position, affecting driving performance and safety due to wind interference and potential collisions with the motorcycle.

Innovation Solution

A motorcycle suit featuring shell elements on the upper and lower portions, designed to maintain a fluid streamline during motion by shaping the second face of each shell element to guide air flow smoothly, thereby reducing turbulence and improving aerodynamics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If deflectors are arranged to bridge open spaces when the rider takes a tucked-in position, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved in tucked-in position, but the deflectors affect driving performance and safety when the rider does not take the tucked-in position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic efficiencyVSAvoiddriving performance in different positions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The suit incorporates movable shell elements that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation based on the rider's posture and speed. This allows the aerodynamic features to be optimized for tucked-in high-speed positions while automatically adapting to reduce interference during normal riding positions, thus resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic efficiency and driving versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs shell elements with variable geometric parameters that can change shape, angle, and extension based on riding conditions. By adjusting parameters such as the deflector angle, extension length, and positioning, the suit maintains optimal aerodynamics in tucked-in positions while minimizing adverse effects during normal riding, thereby resolving the contradiction between aerodynamic performance and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If deflectors protrude from the suit surface to shield open spaces, then aerodynamic flow is improved in tucked-in position, but the deflectors limit rider movement and may collide with the motorcycle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerodynamic flowVSAvoidrider movement freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shell elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt to the rider's movements and motorcycle geometry. This dynamic capability ensures that the aerodynamic flow shielding function is maintained when needed while preventing collisions and limiting movement freedom that would occur with fixed protruding deflectors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shell elements can be positioned and nested within the suit structure in a way that provides aerodynamic shielding without creating excessive protrusions. By nesting the aerodynamic features within the overall suit geometry, the patent maintains flow control while minimizing interference with rider movement and motorcycle components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Loss of energy

If the suit has a streamlined shape for aerodynamics, then wind resistance is reduced, but the suit may compromise comfort and practicality for the motorcyclist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind resistanceVSAvoidcomfort and practicality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the aerodynamic shell into multiple separate elements rather than a single continuous streamlined covering. This segmentation allows different portions of the suit to be optimized for different functions: some areas prioritize aerodynamics while others maintain comfort and practicality, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced wind resistance and rider comfort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shell elements are strategically positioned and shaped to provide aerodynamic benefits in specific critical areas while leaving other areas of the suit with more conventional designs that prioritize comfort and practicality. This local optimization approach reduces overall wind resistance without compromising the motorcyclist's comfort and operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The suit enhances aerodynamic performance by maintaining a streamlined air flow, reducing turbulence, and improving comfort and safety for the rider by minimizing wind resistance and preventing collisions with the motorcycle.

Implementation Method 1

a second face, opposite to the first face, and exposed to a flow of air such as to keep a fluid streamline adhering to the suit body during motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerodynamic flow guidance: Boundary Layer

Data Source

PatentEP4398758B1Motorcyclist suit
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 PIAGGIO & C SPA
  • EP4398758B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4398758B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2E
  • EP4398758B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3'

AI summary

A motorcyclist suit comprising a suit body shaped to entirely dress the motorcyclist's body is described. The suit body comprises an outer surface and is defined by an upper portion having a portion of torso and portions for the upper limbs, and a lower portion which extends from said upper portion, having portions for the lower limbs. The suit body includes, in a mirroring manner with respect to a longitudinal direction on each side, at least a first shell element arranged on said upper portion and at least a second shell element arranged on said lower portion. The shell elements each have a first face facing the motorcyclist's body and shaped to embrace the area of the body on which it is arranged, a second face, opposite to the first face, exposed to a flow of wind and having a curvature such as to keep a fluid streamline, which laps it during motion, adhering.