Vehicular Number Plate Protrusion for Steering Damper Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing number plates on vehicles participating in competitions are susceptible to cross winds when mounted on vehicles with steering dampers, as they need to be positioned forward to avoid interference with the damper, leading to reduced space for marking identification numbers and increased wind resistance.
Innovation Solution
A number plate design with a protruded portion that narrows towards the bottom or top, allowing the steering damper to be positioned between the head pipe and the fork bridge, while maintaining a wide area for marking and reducing wind resistance by minimizing the plate's protrusion towards the front.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number plate is disposed forward to avoid interference with the steering damper, then the steering damper can be properly positioned, but the number plate becomes more susceptible to cross wind effects
Solution Approach 1:
The number plate transitions from a conventional flat rectangular shape to a three-dimensional structure with a protruded portion extending forward. This dimensional change allows the plate to occupy space in front of the steering damper, preventing wind from acting on the entire surface area while maintaining proper damper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The number plate is segmented into different functional zones: a protruded portion extending forward to block cross winds, a main body for mounting the identification number, and a reduced lower portion that narrows toward the bottom. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific function optimally.
2Reliability
If the number plate is disposed forward to avoid interference with the steering damper, then the steering damper can be properly positioned, but the area available for marking identification numbers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The number plate features non-uniform thickness and projection across its surface. The protruded portion extends forward to block winds, while the upper portion maintains sufficient area for identification marking, and the lower portion narrows to accommodate the steering damper. Each local region has optimized quality for its specific function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the number plate shape is modified to reduce cross wind effects, then wind resistance is reduced, but the area for marking identification numbers becomes smaller
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing the number plate area in the horizontal plane, the solution adds vertical dimension with a protruded portion extending forward from the main body. This allows wind blocking functionality to be achieved in three-dimensional space while preserving the two-dimensional marking area on the main body.
Solution Approach 2:
The number plate is divided into functional segments: the protruded portion handles wind blocking, the upper main body provides marking area, and the narrowed lower portion accommodates mechanical components. This segmentation resolves the conflict between wind resistance and marking area.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle number plate that allows a steering damper to be disposed without impairing the functions of the number plate, and is less susceptible to an effect of cross wind. The vehicle includes a front fork, which suspends a front wheel, disposed steerably on a head pipe on a vehicle body and a steering mechanism including a handlebar mounted on the front fork. The number plate is marked with a competition identification number and is disposed at a front portion of a fork bridge including a top bridge and a bottom bridge to connect left- and right-hand portions of the front fork. In the vehicle, the steering damper is disposed between the head pipe and the bottom bridge. The number plate includes a protruded portion that protrudes forwardly at a center thereof and narrows toward a lower portion, the lower portion covering an area forward of the steering damper.