Power Unit Sensor Protection Wall Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing speed detecting sensor protection systems in two-wheeled motor vehicles require a large-sized protection wall to prevent collisions, leading to increased weight and compromised designability due to the displacement of the U-shaped lock along the curved surface during rear wheel rotation.

Innovation Solution

A downsized protection wall is positioned rearward of the speed detecting sensor, with a sensor cover housing the coupling end and protection wall, and a breather tube is disposed forward to avoid interference, allowing the protection wall to overlap with the sensor and reduce the overall size while maintaining protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large-sized protection wall is used to prevent collision between U-shaped lock and speed detecting sensor, then the sensor is reliably protected, but the transmission case weight increases and designability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of speed detecting sensorVSAvoidtransmission case weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the protection wall from a curved surface that requires radial displacement to a planar surface that allows axial displacement. By changing the dimensional approach from radial to axial direction, the protection wall can be positioned rearward of the sensor without requiring large size, thus reducing weight while maintaining protection effectiveness.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having the protection wall curve forward to meet the sensor, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the protection wall rearward of the sensor. This inversion allows the protection wall to intercept the U-shaped lock before it reaches the sensor, achieving protection with a smaller, lighter structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If a large-sized protection wall is used to prevent collision, then the sensor is reliably protected, but the designability of the two-wheeled motor vehicle deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of speed detecting sensorVSAvoiddesignability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By transitioning from a curved radial design to a planar axial design, the protection wall becomes more compatible with modern vehicle aesthetics and design requirements. The simpler geometry allows for better integration with the overall vehicle design without compromising protective function.

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

3Reliability

If the protection wall is positioned to intercept the U-shaped lock, then collision is avoided, but the protection wall may interfere with the harness extending from the coupling end

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidinterference with harness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific spatial arrangement where the protection wall is positioned at a location that provides protection while leaving the harness extension path clear. The planar surface configuration allows the harness to extend without interference from the protection wall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3546333B1Power unit
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3546333B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3546333B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3546333B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[SUBJECT] To provide a power unit that ensures achieving a downsized protection wall that protects a coupling end of a speed detecting sensor. [MEANS FOR SOLUTION] The power unit includes a gear 87 mounted on a drive shaft 34 of a rear wheel in a transmission case 32 to rotate integrally with the drive shaft 34, a speed detecting sensor 91 that faces the gear 87 with a detection tip end 91a, has a coupling end 91b coupled to a harness 92 outside the transmission case 32, and detects a rotation speed of the drive shaft 34, and a protection wall 98 that projects from an outer surface of the transmission case 32 at a position displaced from the coupling end 91b in an axial direction of the drive shaft 34.