Rocking Lock Lever Positioning for Cable Routing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing structure of rocking lock operation parts in saddle riding type vehicles is bulky due to the need for a sufficient surplus length in the operation cable linking the rocking lock mechanism to the lock operation lever, which results in a large routing space and potential deformation of the cable during pivotal movements of the steering handle, leading to potential damage and unintentional operations.

Innovation Solution

A compact structure where the lock operator is positioned in front of the pivot support member and behind the headlight, allowing the operation cable to be shorter and reducing the risk of deformation, with the lock operator disposed between the pivot support member and the headlight, and optionally below the steering handle, to minimize contact with the occupant's hand and prevent unintentional operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the lock operation lever is disposed on the steering handle, then the rocking lock operation becomes easy, but the exterior shape becomes bulky due to sufficient surplus length needed in the operation cable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverocking lock operationVSAvoidexterior shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lock operation lever is extracted from the steering handle and relocated to the vehicle body. This separation eliminates the need for the lever to pivot with the steering handle, allowing the operation cable to be shortened and routed more efficiently, thus reducing the bulky exterior shape while maintaining easy operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pivot support member as an intermediary element between the steering handle and the lock operation lever. The lever is positioned relative to this pivot support member, creating a stable reference point that eliminates cable deformation during steering while maintaining operational accessibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If sufficient surplus length is provided in the operation cable, then the lock operator can be easily operated, but the routing space becomes large and the cable may deform during pivotal movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock operator operationVSAvoidoperation cable integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock operation lever is extracted from the steering handle system and repositioned on the vehicle body. This extraction eliminates the cable's exposure to pivotal movements and deformation risks, allowing for a shorter, more reliable cable routing while maintaining operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of allowing the cable to accommodate steering movements through surplus length, the patent inverts the approach by fixing the lever relative to the pivot support member. This inversion eliminates the need for cable flexibility during steering, improving reliability while maintaining operation ease through proper positioning

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

3Ease of operation

If the lock operation lever is disposed close to the steering handle, then operation is convenient, but unintentional operation may occur during driving

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock operator accessibilityVSAvoidunintentional operation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock operation lever is positioned in a specific location on the vehicle body that balances accessibility with protection from unintentional operation. The lever is placed where it remains easily reachable for intentional operation but is sufficiently separated from the steering handle area to avoid accidental contact during normal driving

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10632811B2Structure of rocking lock operation part of saddle riding type vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.04.28 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • US10632811B2 patent drawing
  • US10632811B2 patent drawing
  • US10632811B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A structure of rocking lock operation part for a saddle riding vehicle, the structure of rocking lock operation part includes a rocking lock mechanism configured to lock lateral rocking of a vehicle body and a lock operator configured to switch between locking and unlocking of the rocking lock mechanism, wherein the rocking lock mechanism and the lock operator are disposed on the vehicle body, and, when seen in a side view, a gripping section of the lock operator is disposed in front of a position overlapping a pivot support member configured to pivotably support the steering handle in the vehicle body and disposed in rear of a headlight disposed in front of the pivot support member.