Rotatable Motorcycle Top Case Mounting for Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing top case connection arrangements for motorcycles and motorcycle-like vehicles often increase the pendulum tendency when loaded, and existing solutions like floating mounting systems can interfere with passenger comfort and stability due to lateral mobility issues.

Innovation Solution

A connection arrangement featuring a rotatable swivel joint with an eccentric axis of rotation and guide extensions that allows the top case to move within a defined range, minimizing passenger disturbance and enhancing vibration damping, while maintaining structural strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a floating mounting system is used to reduce pendulum tendency, then vibration damping is improved, but lateral mobility causes passenger discomfort and reduced stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvependulum tendencyVSAvoidpassenger comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection arrangement transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic rotatable connection. The swivel joint allows the top case to rotate about a vertical axis, enabling the system to dynamically adapt to vehicle movements and reduce pendulum tendency while limiting lateral mobility to maintain passenger comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the degree of freedom parameter of the connection system. By introducing rotational movement capability while constraining lateral translation through the swivel joint mechanism, the system achieves vibration damping without excessive lateral mobility that would discomfort passengers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If lateral mobility is increased to reduce pendulum tendency, then vibration damping is improved, but structural strength and connection stability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transferVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The swivel joint creates a dynamic connection that allows controlled rotational movement to absorb vibrations while the guide extensions and stops provide structural constraints that maintain connection strength. The system dissipates vibration energy through controlled rotation rather than rigid resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The swivel joint acts as an intermediary element between the rigid vehicle frame and the top case. It mediates the connection by allowing rotational movement to dampen vibrations while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through its mechanical design with guide extensions and stops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a rotatable connection is introduced to reduce pendulum tendency, then vibration damping is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvependulum tendencyVSAvoidconnection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a rotatable connection mechanism that allows the top case to rotate about a vertical axis to reduce pendulum tendency. This dynamic capability enables vibration damping while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to complex floating mounting systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively reduces the pendulum tendency and enhances passenger comfort by allowing controlled rotational movement of the top case, minimizing interference with the passenger and providing improved vibration damping.

Implementation Method 1

the first and the second connecting section are connected to one another so as to be rotatable about a defined axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Implementation Method 2

at least one guide extension, which is guided in or on a guide section for guiding the rotary movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical guidance:

Implementation Method 3

a movement decoupling is achieved, which reduces the transfer of load changes acting on the vehicle to the top case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3529136B1Rotatable connecting devce for topcase
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP3529136B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3529136B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting assembly for fastening a top case (10) to a motor vehicle, in particular a motorcycle or a motorcycle-like vehicle, comprising a first connecting section (14), which is designed for connecting to the motor vehicle, and a second connecting section (15), which is designed for connecting to an underside of the top case (10), wherein the first and the second connecting sections are connected to each other for rotation about a defined axis of rotation (D).