Saddle Vehicle Airflow Rectification for Engine Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Saddle type vehicles face limitations in cooling performance due to restricted airflow into the engine cover, and positioning electrical components in front of the engine can disrupt airflow to the engine, potentially leading to inefficient cooling of both components.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle design includes an electrical component placed in front of the engine with a rectification member that guides traveling air to both the engine and the electrical component, utilizing space efficiently and ensuring precise airflow, while a separate rectification member with an attachment portion and positioning unit maintains accurate positioning and suppresses heat transmission between components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the electrical component is disposed in front of the engine to utilize space efficiently, then the space utilization is improved, but the airflow path to the engine may be blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilization in front of engineVSAvoidairflow efficiency to engine
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The rectification member extends in the vehicle widthwise direction (lateral dimension) with rectifying plates positioned at different widthwise locations. This dimensional arrangement allows air to flow laterally around the electrical component and be redirected to the engine, transforming a potential blockage problem into an efficient three-dimensional airflow pattern

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

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

This configuration enhances cooling efficiency for both the engine and electrical components, improves airflow, and maintains the structural integrity and protection of the engine, leading to improved cooling performance and rectilinear advancing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a rectification member (61) being provided integrally with the electrical component to shunt and guide traveling air to the engine (15) and the electrical component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow guidance:

Implementation Method 2

The rectification member (61) includes rectifying plates (62M, 63M, 64M) directed to the engine (15) and the electrical component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow rectification:

Implementation Method 3

the different rectification member (71) integrally includes an electrical component attachment portion (73) to which the electrical component is attached and a positioning unit (74) positioned on the engine (15), and is disposed such that an air passing space (73K) is provided between the electrical component and the engine (15)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3150480B1Saddle type vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3150480B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3150480B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3150480B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Object] To provide a saddle type vehicle in which an engine and an electrical component can be cooled with a high efficiency by cooling air. [Solving Means] An electrical component case 61 which accommodates an electrical component therein is provided in front of an engine 15 and functions as a rectification member provided integrally with the electrical component to shunt and guide traveling air to the engine 15 and the electrical component. Further, the saddle type vehicle includes a rectification unit 71 provided separately from the electrical component and functioning as a different rectification member for guiding traveling air to the engine 15.