Motorcycle Muffler Support via Step Holder Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorcycles have limited mounting space and a strong emphasis on appearance, making it difficult to support a muffler without impairing the vehicle's appearance, as the vehicle body frame is not always positioned to accommodate the muffler.
Innovation Solution
A muffler support structure that integrates a fastener with a step holder attached to the vehicle body frame, allowing the muffler to be supported away from the frame, concealed within the step holder, and assembled from the rear without repositioning, enhancing appearance and workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the muffler is supported directly on the vehicle body frame, then the mounting structure is simple, but the appearance is impaired due to the fastener being exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The muffler fastener is nested within the step holder structure, which is itself attached to the vehicle body frame. This nesting arrangement conceals the fastener behind the step holder, improving appearance while maintaining structural simplicity through integrated design
2Shape
If the muffler support structure is integrated with the step holder, then the appearance is improved by concealing the fastener, but the mounting space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The step holder is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the step, acts as a mounting bracket for the muffler fastener, and conceals the fastener from view. This multi-functionality allows the same structural element to address both appearance requirements and mounting space constraints
3Ease of operation
If the first fastener is oriented in the vehicle fore-aft direction, then the assembly workability is improved, but the fastener may interfere with other components
Solution Approach 1:
The step holder acts as an intermediary structure that positions and orients the first fastener in the fore-aft direction while providing clearance from other components. The step holder's geometry mediates between the fastening requirement and the spatial constraints, preventing interference while maintaining assembly ease
Data Source
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AI summary
A muffler support structure for a motorcycle includes a muffler fastener (42e) that includes a muffler mounting bolt (76) oriented in a vehicle fore-aft direction to fasten a muffler (56). The muffler fastener (42e) is integrated with a vehicle body frame (11), specifically, a step holder (42) fastened to a pivot frame (24) and is covered in the step holder (42) in a vehicle side elevational view. The muffler support structure for the motorcycle is capable of disposition of a muffler at a portion not provided with a vehicle body frame and is capable of improving appearance.