Straddle Vehicle Axle Coupling for Strength Without Size Increase
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driving power transmission mechanisms in straddle-type vehicles face challenges in increasing strength without increasing the size of the axle, as enlarging the coupling area between the second coupling member and the axle would require a larger axle.
Innovation Solution
A straddle-type vehicle design featuring a first coupling member mounted coaxially with the axle via a bearing, allowing relative rotation, and a second coupling member with a joining portion extending outward in the axial direction to increase the coupled area without enlarging the axle, along with a buffering member to absorb acceleration impacts and improve bearing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the area of the region of the second coupling member and the region of the axle which are coupled to each other is increased, then the strength of the driving power transmission mechanism is improved, but the size of the axle is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The second coupling member extends in the axial direction of the axle, utilizing the axial dimension to increase the coupling area between the second coupling member and the axle. This allows the coupling region to extend along the axial direction rather than only radially, thereby increasing the strength of the driving power transmission mechanism without increasing the radial size of the axle.
2Strength
If the joining portion of the second coupling member extends to increase the coupled area, then the strength is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The second coupling member serves multiple functions: it transmits driving power from the first coupling member to the axle, provides an extended coupling area to increase transmission strength, and maintains rotational movement capability. By integrating these functions into a single component that extends axially, the design achieves improved strength without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
This configuration enhances the strength of the driving power transmission mechanism by increasing the axial dimension of the second coupling member's coupled area, maintaining a compact design while improving bearing performance and extending its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a first coupling member which includes a driven member to which rotational driving power from the driving source is transmitted, is placed coaxially with the axle, and is mounted to the axle via a bearing in such a manner that the first coupling member is relatively rotatable with respect to the axle
Implementation Method 2
The driven member may be placed to overlap with the buffering member and the fitting portion, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. In accordance with this configuration, when the buffering member absorbs an acceleration impact transmitted from the driving source to the driven member
Data Source
AI summary
A straddle-type vehicle comprises a vehicle body frame; an axle which is rotatable integrally with a wheel; a swing arm having a front end portion pivotably mounted to the vehicle body frame, and a rear end portion to which the axle is rotatably mounted; a first coupling member to which rotational driving power from a driving source is transmitted is coaxially, rotatably mounted to the axle via a bearing; and a second coupling member coaxial with the axle and including a joining portion non-rotatably joined to the axle, a fitting portion fitted to the first coupling member via a buffering member, and a coupling portion for coupling the joining portion to the fitting portion, wherein the coupling portion is placed axially outward relative to the first coupling member, and the joining portion extends from axially outside between the first coupling member and the axle.