Secondary Air Unit Shielding in Straddle Vehicle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Straddle-riding type vehicles, such as ATVs, face issues with dirt and sand being thrown up by the front wheels, which can damage the secondary air introduction unit due to its exposed position.

Innovation Solution

Positioning at least a portion of the secondary air introduction unit behind the front wheel supporting portion of the vehicle body frame, providing protection from debris thrown up by the front wheels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the secondary air introduction unit is positioned in the front wheel area to facilitate air introduction, then the air introduction function is improved, but the unit becomes vulnerable to damage from dirt and sand thrown up by the front wheels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of secondary air introduction unitVSAvoidexposure to dirt and sand

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the secondary air introduction unit in the rear wheel area instead of the front wheel area, changing the spatial dimension of installation. This dimensional relocation moves the unit from a high-risk zone (front) to a protected zone (rear), eliminating exposure to debris while maintaining air introduction functionality through modified passage routing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the secondary air introduction unit is positioned behind the front wheel supporting portion to protect it from debris, then reliability is improved, but the air introduction efficiency may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of secondary air introduction unitVSAvoidair introduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a secondary air introduction passage as an intermediary structure that connects the rear wheel area (protected position) to the engine's air intake system. This passage acts as a conduit, allowing the unit to operate from a protected location while still delivering secondary air efficiently to the exhaust passage, thus maintaining productivity despite the positional change

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9096123B2Straddle-riding type vehicle

Publication Date: 2015.08.04 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A straddle-riding vehicle includes a vehicle body frame including an engine supporting portion that supports an engine and a front wheel supporting portion arranged in front of the engine supporting portion, wherein a wheel supporting arm that supports the front wheel and a suspension arm that supports the wheel supporting arm are mounted to the front wheel supporting portion. At least a portion of a secondary air introduction unit that introduces secondary air into an exhaust passage of the engine is positioned directly behind the front wheel supporting portion.