Motor Scooter Leg Shield Storage with Flexible Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor scooters have limited storage space due to their design, making it difficult to expand storage capacity without compromising the vehicle's appearance and ergonomics.
Innovation Solution
A flexible storage system is integrated into the leg protection, using lateral and lower flexible elements that can be extended to create additional storage volume by detaching the closure panel from the leg shield, with a locking mechanism allowing reversible detachment and reattachment to maintain the vehicle's original design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If storage space is expanded by adding external compartments or bags, then storage capacity increases, but the vehicle's appearance and ergonomics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible storage elements are nested within the existing leg guard structure, allowing the storage compartment to be contained within the original vehicle geometry. When expanded, the flexible elements utilize the space between the leg guard and the step-through area, maintaining the vehicle's external appearance while providing additional storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage compartment uses flexible side elements that can dynamically expand and contract. When not in use, the flexible elements are folded or compressed to maintain a compact profile that preserves the vehicle's original appearance. When storage is needed, the elements expand to provide additional capacity without permanently altering the vehicle's shape.
2Quantity of substance
If storage compartment is permanently integrated into the leg guard, then storage capacity increases, but the vehicle's flexibility and ergonomics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment is designed with flexible side elements that can expand and contract dynamically. The closure plate can be opened to different degrees, allowing the flexible elements to extend outward to provide additional storage space when needed, while retracting when not in use. This dynamic design maintains vehicle flexibility and adaptability while providing expandable storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage compartment's volume parameter can be changed on demand by opening the closure plate. When the plate is closed, the storage volume is minimal and maintains the vehicle's original ergonomics. When opened, the flexible elements expand to increase the storage volume, allowing the system to adapt to different storage needs without permanently altering the vehicle's configuration.
3Quantity of substance
If flexible elements are used to expand storage volume, then storage capacity increases, but the structural complexity of the leg guard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment uses flexible side elements made from flexible materials that can be easily attached to the leg guard structure. These flexible elements form the sides of the storage compartment and can be secured using simple attachment mechanisms such as adhesives, clips, or stitching, avoiding the need for complex structural modifications to the leg guard.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage compartment is segmented into a rigid closure plate and flexible side elements. This segmentation allows the complex flexible components to be separate, attachable modules rather than integrated into the leg guard's main structure. The flexible elements can be independently attached and removed, reducing the overall structural complexity of the leg guard while providing expandable storage functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A motor scooter (10) has a leg shield (12) covering a steering column, and a storage compartment (18) which is integrated in the leg shield (12) and is closed in the closed state by a closure plate (20) which ends flush with an outer surface of the leg shield (12). The closure plate (20) has an upper edge (26), a lower edge (24) and two side edges (28). A lateral flexible element (30) is attached to each of the side edges (28) of the closure plate (20) and, in a region lying below the closure plate (20) in the closed state, is fixedly connected to the leg shield (12). In an open state, at least the upper edge (26) and the side edges (28) of the closure plate (20) are spaced apart from the leg shield (12) such that an expanded storage volume (V2) of the storage compartment (18) is formed between the closure plate (20), the leg shield (12) and the flexible elements (30).