Straddle Vehicle Front Structure Narrowing Side Cowl Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional straddle type vehicle front structures experience increased width of the front portion of the side cowl when separate components are installed between the headlight and side cowl, leading to increased running resistance and enlarged cowl size.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an intermediate member attached to the headlight stay with side cowl engaging portions, allowing precise positioning of separate components between the headlight and side cowl, and providing a winker with engaging portions to create an integral combination lamp appearance while maintaining a narrower headlight stay.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate components are installed between the headlight and side cowl by extending the headlight stay to the outer side, then the separate components can be positioned, but the width of the front portion of the side cowl increases causing increased running resistance and enlarged cowl size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal extension approach (extending headlight stay outward in width direction) to a vertical integration approach (positioning separate components vertically between the headlight and side cowl). This dimensional shift allows component placement without increasing the horizontal width of the side cowl, thereby reducing running resistance while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate components (air intake cover, winker) are nested within the spatial gap between the headlight and side cowl rather than extending beyond them. This nesting approach allows the components to be housed in the available vertical space without enlarging the overall horizontal dimensions of the front structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are installed between the headlight and side cowl, then component functionality is added, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headlight stay is designed as a multi-functional support structure that not only holds the headlight but also provides mounting points for separate components (air intake cover, winker) through vertically positioned engaging portions. This universal support approach adds functionality without requiring separate structural elements for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple components (headlight, air intake cover, winker) are merged onto a single headlight stay structure through vertically arranged engaging portions. This consolidation reduces structural complexity compared to using separate mounting structures for each component while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a structure wherein a separate member is provided in the space between the side portion of headlight and the side cowl, the present invention provides a front structure of straddle type vehicle wherein the joint portion can be precisely positioned, while the increase of width of the front portion of side cowl is prevented. [Means for Solving Problem] A separate air intake cover 71 between the side portion of the headlight 61 and the side cowl 81, and is attached to the headlight stay 53 with the headlight 61, simultaneously, and has the side cowl engaging portions 77B, 76A disposed behind the side cowl 81 and with which the side cowl 81 is engaged in the vicinity of the joint portion G1 with the side cowl 81.