Optical Sensor Disposition for Saddle Riding Vehicle Appearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical sensor disposition structures for saddle riding vehicles face a trade-off between maintaining detection region and improving appearance characteristics, as visible installation degrades aesthetics but hidden installation narrows the field of vision.

Innovation Solution

An optical sensor disposition structure that includes an airflow guide member covering the front section of the vehicle body, with an introduction port to guide air rearward, and an optical sensor positioned to overlap this port in a front view, along with a second airflow guide member forming an airflow path and a lens on the boundary section between the members, which is recessed and overlaps the airflow guide member in a side view, ensuring the sensor is not easily visible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the optical sensor is installed on a central portion of a window screen, then the detection region is maintained, but appearance characteristics are degraded because the camera is easily seen from the outside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection regionVSAvoidappearance characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the optical sensor from a central front-facing location to a lateral position where it overlaps the introduction port in front view. This dimensional relocation allows the sensor to be obscured by the airflow guide member from the front, improving appearance while maintaining detection capabilities through the port opening.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The introduction port serves as an intermediary element that allows the optical sensor to be positioned laterally while still providing forward detection capability. The port acts as a window through which the sensor can detect objects while being visually concealed by the airflow guide member from the front view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If the optical sensor is installed at a position that cannot be easily seen from the outside, then appearance characteristics are improved, but the field of vision is narrowed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveappearance characteristicsVSAvoidfield of vision
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by positioning the optical sensor to overlap the introduction port in front view. This allows the sensor to be concealed behind the airflow guide member from the front while maintaining an unobstructed field of vision through the port opening, effectively resolving the contradiction between appearance and detection capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The introduction port creates a localized opening in the airflow guide member that provides a clear detection path for the optical sensor. This local quality change allows the sensor to have an unobstructed field of vision through the port while the rest of the guide member conceals the sensor from external view, improving appearance without sacrificing detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If the lens is disposed on the boundary section between airflow guide members, then the optical sensor is more difficult to visually recognize, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual recognition difficultyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the lens directly into the boundary section between the first and second airflow guide members, merging the optical component with the structural elements. This integration approach conceals the lens within the existing structure, making it more difficult to visually recognize while avoiding the need for separate mounting mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration allows the optical sensor to be discreetly positioned without narrowing its detection region, enhancing appearance characteristics while minimizing the risk of collision damage and maintaining effective detection capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an airflow guide member that is disposed in front of a head pipe and that is configured to cover a front section of a vehicle body, and in which an introduction port configured to guide traveling air rearward is formed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow guidance:

Data Source

PatentEP3243731B1Optical sensor disposition structure for saddle riding vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3243731B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3243731B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3243731B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical sensor disposition structure (2) for a saddle riding vehicle (1) includes an optical sensor (30), and an airflow guide member (4) disposed in front of a head pipe and configured to cover a front section of a vehicle body and in which an introduction port (40) configured to guide traveling air rearward is formed, wherein the optical sensor (30) overlaps the introduction port (40) when seen in a front view.