Polymeric Motorcycle Gear Shifter Cover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Motorcycle gear shift levers with hard rubber covering containing carbon black and abrasive fillers cause scuff marks and discoloration on shoes due to frequent contact, leading to slipping issues during operation.
Innovation Solution
A non-marring polymeric gear shifter cover made of two hemicylindrical halves with a composite construction of hard rubber inner lining and durable, colorfast, slip-resistant thermoplastic polymeric outer surface, free from carbon black and abrasive fillers, providing enhanced grip and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hard rubber covering with carbon black and abrasive fillers is used on gear shifter lever, then the lever provides durable and grippy surface, but it causes scuff marks and discoloration on shoes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes carbon black and abrasive fillers from the rubber compound formulation, extracting the harmful components while maintaining the base rubber material's structural integrity and grip properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material by combining purified rubber (free from carbon black) with alternative non-abrasive fillers and polymeric additives, achieving both durability and non-marring properties through material composition optimization
2Stability of the object's composition
If carbon black is used in rubber compounding, then the rubber achieves its typical characteristics and durability, but it leaves dark carbon marks on rider's shoes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifically eliminates carbon black from the rubber compound, removing the source of discoloration while compensating for its structural benefits through alternative fillers and polymer formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the rubber compound by substituting carbon black with alternative fillers and adjusting polymer ratios to achieve similar mechanical properties without the harmful pigmentation effect
3Strength
If abrasive filler material is used in rubber, then the rubber provides grip and structural integrity, but it abrades the upper part of user's shoe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes abrasive filler materials from the rubber compound formulation, eliminating the mechanism that causes shoe abrasion while maintaining structural integrity through alternative material combinations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a composite rubber formulation that replaces abrasive fillers with non-abrasive reinforcing agents, achieving both grip and structural strength without the harmful abrasion effect
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 cover prevents scuff marks and discoloration, offers improved grip and water resistance, and matches motorcycle aesthetics, ensuring a secure and durable solution for motorcycle gear shifters.
Implementation Method 1
The outer surface may or may not be coarsely textured, in order to enhance shoe grip properties
Implementation Method 2
The inner construction comprises a rubber, or other similar material on the inner portion that provides a non-slip inner lining
Data Source
AI summary
A motorcycle gear shifter cover comprising a pair of hemicylindrical halves, wherein each half has a first centered, symmetrical, cylindrical cavity for mounting on the shift peg of a of a motorcycle and comprises two layers, an outer layer and an inner layer, and wherein the outer layer and the inner layer share a common, concentric axis and wherein the outer layer has mating surfaces for joining and affixing said halves around a gear shift peg, and the inner layer contacts and holds the foot-operated gear shifter to prevent movement between the gear shifter and the gear shifter cover.