Plastic Muffler Holder Reduces Weight and Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing muffler holding devices for two-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles, are often expensive and inflexible, requiring metallic frame parts that are not necessary for stability and heat resistance.
Innovation Solution
A plastic holder part, potentially made from fiber-reinforced plastic, is designed to replace metallic frame parts, providing stability, heat resistance, and additional functions like aerodynamic optimization, shock absorption, and integrated fastening and protective features, which can be manufactured cost-effectively and in various shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metallic frame part is used to hold the muffler, then structural strength and heat resistance are ensured, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fiber-reinforced plastic (composite material) to replace traditional metallic frame parts for holding the muffler. The fiber reinforcement provides the necessary structural strength and heat resistance, while the plastic matrix allows for integrated manufacturing of multiple functions, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic holder part is designed to perform multiple functions: it holds the muffler, provides structural support, offers heat resistance, and can be integrated with aerodynamic fairings. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate metallic frame parts, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining necessary strength properties.
2Force
If a metallic frame part is used to hold the muffler, then load-bearing capacity is ensured, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the muffler holder function with the aerodynamic fairing into a single integrated plastic component. The holder part is formed as an integral part of the fairing structure, eliminating separate metallic frame parts and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining load-bearing capacity through optimized plastic reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
Fiber-reinforced plastic provides the necessary load-bearing capacity to replace metallic frame parts. The composite material structure maintains structural integrity and force transmission capabilities while allowing for simpler, more integrated manufacturing and assembly processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If a plastic holder part is used, then manufacturing cost and flexibility are reduced/improved, but heat resistance and structural stability must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiber-reinforced plastic where the plastic matrix provides ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness, while the fiber reinforcement (such as glass or carbon fibers) provides the necessary heat resistance and structural stability. This composite approach allows molding of complex shapes at low cost while meeting thermal and mechanical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the plastic material by adding fiber reinforcement and selecting high-temperature resistant plastic matrices. These parameter changes enable the plastic holder to withstand exhaust heat while maintaining manufacturing advantages over metal parts.
4Weight of moving object
If a plastic holder part is used, then weight is reduced, but structural strength and stability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber-reinforced plastic structure provides high strength-to-weight ratio. The fibers provide structural strength and stiffness, while the plastic matrix binds them together and distributes loads, achieving weight reduction compared to metal parts while maintaining necessary structural strength for holding the muffler.
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 plastic holder part reduces component count, weight, and assembly complexity while offering secure muffler retention, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced impact protection, making it a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional metallic solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the holder part made from plastic can be designed in such a way that, in the case of an impact, it provides a crumple zone, in order to dampen the impact by way of energy conversion
Data Source
AI summary
A device for accommodating a muffler for a two-wheel vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, includes a holder part that can be fastened to a structural component of the two-wheel vehicle. The holder part retains the muffler. A plastic part is used as the holder part.