Straddle Vehicle Frame Air Cleaner Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Straddle type vehicles face a challenge in achieving preferred frame rigidity and sufficient air cleaner capacity without significantly increasing vehicle width, particularly when a larger air cleaner is integrated between hollow and rigid main frames.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates paired left and right main frames with U-shaped portions that form part of the air cleaner case, along with hollow frame portions below, allowing the air cleaner to be positioned between these U-shaped sections, while maintaining frame rigidity and minimizing vehicle width expansion. This configuration includes attachment holes for easy assembly and detachment of the cleaner case cover, and features like O rings for enhanced sealing and funnel placement to reduce intake loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If a larger capacity air cleaner is arranged between the hollow main frames, then the air cleaner capacity is improved, but the vehicle width increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair cleaner capacityVSAvoidvehicle width

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical space between the hollow main frames by forming U-shaped portions that extend upward, creating a three-dimensional air cleaner housing that maximizes capacity within the constrained lateral space. The air cleaner is positioned in the vertical dimension rather than expanding horizontally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The air cleaner is nested within the space defined by the U-shaped portions of the main frames, with the cleaner case fitting into the hollow space created by the frame structure. This nesting arrangement allows the air cleaner to occupy the available volume without protruding outward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If the main frames are formed hollow to ensure frame rigidity, then the frame rigidity is improved, but the space available for air cleaner installation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe rigidityVSAvoidair cleaner capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hollow main frames serve dual functions: maintaining structural rigidity through their hollow construction and providing housing space for the air cleaner. The U-shaped portions of the hollow frames simultaneously contribute to frame strength and form the air cleaner case, eliminating the need for separate structural and housing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the frame structure with the air cleaner housing by forming the U-shaped portions that constitute part of the air cleaner case. The hollow frame and air cleaner housing are combined into a single integrated structure, where the frame's hollow space becomes the air cleaner's housing space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9284926B2Straddle type vehicle

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Straddle type vehicle takes traveling wind into a space between paired left and right main frames. Air is introduced to an air cleaner arranged between the paired left and right main frames. The paired main frames include left and right U-shaped portions having U-shaped cross sections opened inward in the vehicle width direction and constituting a part of an air cleaner case. Hollow left and right frame portions are provided below the left and right U-shaped portions, and the air cleaner is arranged between the left and right U-shaped portions.