Gaseous Fuel Tank Layout for Straddle Vehicle Steering Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric two-wheeled vehicles without internal combustion engines using gaseous fuel lack an appropriate layout for a gaseous fuel tank, and the installation load on the steering wheel may be lower, affecting vehicle stability and steering performance.

Innovation Solution

A straddle vehicle design with a gaseous fuel tank positioned closer to the steering wheel, where the center of gravity of the tank is located forward of the internal combustion engine, enhancing the installation load on the steering wheel and improving steering performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the tank is positioned forward to increase installation load on the steering wheel, then steering performance is improved, but the tank overlaps with the front fork

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering performanceVSAvoidtank overlap with front fork

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the spatial conflict by changing the positioning dimension - placing the tank above the front wheel rather than directly over the front fork, utilizing the vertical space above the wheel to achieve forward positioning without interfering with the front fork assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the tank specifically above the front wheel area, concentrating the weight distribution in a localized region that enhances steering load without creating general interference with other components throughout the vehicle structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If the tank is positioned forward to enhance steering stability, then vehicle stability is improved, but the tank center of gravity moves closer to the steering wheel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle stabilityVSAvoidtank center of gravity position

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the tank's weight as a counterweight positioned above the front wheel to create a stabilizing effect, where the gravitational force acting on the tank provides downward pressure on the front wheel that enhances steering stability and prevents front wheel floatation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Data Source

PatentUS12409909B2Straddle vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD

AI summary

The straddle vehicle includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, at least one tank, an internal combustion engine, a seat, and a steering handle. The front wheel is a steering wheel. The rear wheel is a drive wheel arranged located rearward of the front wheel. The tank is configured to be filled with a gaseous fuel. The internal combustion engine generates power using gaseous fuel filled in the tank. The driver sits on the seat. The driver performs the steering operation to the steering handle. The center of gravity of the tank is located closer to the steering wheel with respect to the center of gravity of the internal combustion engine.