Starter-Motor Reverse Drive Assembly for Motorcycle Maneuvering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Large and heavy motorized vehicles, such as motorcycles, can be difficult to manually maneuver for parking or movement due to their size and weight, necessitating a parking assist drive system.

Innovation Solution

A powertrain assembly for motorized vehicles that includes a starter motor, a transmission with a main shaft and counter shaft, and a reverse drive assembly with a gear train and pivot carrier, allowing the vehicle to be propelled in reverse using the starter motor and transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a reverse drive assembly is added to enable reverse movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of vehicle maneuveringVSAvoidcomplexity of drive system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reverse drive assembly merges with the existing starter motor and transmission components. The reverse drive gear train utilizes the starter motor shaft and integrates with the transmission main shaft gear, combining reverse drive functionality with existing forward drive components to minimize additional complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The starter motor serves dual functions: starting the engine and providing power for reverse movement. The gear train components are designed to serve both forward and reverse drive operations, making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate dedicated reverse drive components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the reverse drive gear train is in constant mesh with the starter motor, then the reliability of power transmission is improved, but the risk of simultaneous forward and reverse operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of power transmissionVSAvoidrisk of mechanical damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot carrier is designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing dynamic control of the reverse drive output gear engagement with the transmission main shaft gear. This dynamic positioning enables selective engagement only when reverse operation is intended, preventing simultaneous forward and reverse operation while maintaining constant mesh capability for reliable power transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot carrier acts as an intermediary component between the reverse drive gear train and the transmission main shaft gear. It provides controlled engagement and disengagement, mediating the power transmission path to ensure that reverse power is transmitted only when the pivot carrier is in the engaged position, thereby preventing harmful simultaneous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the output gear is selectively engaged with the main shaft gear, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reverse drive engagementVSAvoidcomplexity of engagement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

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

Enables the motorized vehicle to be efficiently maneuvered in reverse, facilitating easier parking and movement without the need for manual effort, while preventing simultaneous operation of forward and reverse drive systems to avoid damage.

Implementation Method 1

a reverse drive gear train in constant mesh with the motor shaft of the starter motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear meshing: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS20250146559A1Reverse drive assembly for motorized vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTOR CO INC

AI summary

A method of operating a motorized vehicle including an engine, a transmission, and a reverse drive assembly. The method includes moving a pivot carrier of the reverse drive assembly from a disengaged position to an engaged position. A starter motor is operated to rotate a motor shaft. A reverse drive gear train is driven using the motor shaft, including driving an output gear mounted on the pivot carrier to rotate. The transmission is driven in reverse via the rotation of the output gear.