Straddled Vehicle Power Unit Layout for Compact Hybrid Packaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Straddled vehicles face challenges in achieving a compact and versatile design due to the large size of rotational power components, which are not easily compatible with various power systems.
Innovation Solution
A compact straddled vehicle design is achieved by arranging common rotational power components, such as a drive unit including a drive motor, control unit, and gear box, on a frame structure, allowing for both hybrid and electric vehicle configurations by attaching specific components like batteries or electric power generators, with the gear box being fixed to the frame for enhanced rigidity and compatibility with different power systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If rotational power components are arranged near the center of the vehicle body, then the vehicle structure is simplified and components are easily accessible, but the vehicle body becomes too large and cannot achieve compact design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional redistribution by arranging components along the longitudinal axis rather than concentrating them at the center. The drive motor is positioned in the front portion, the battery in the middle portion, and the generator in the rear portion, effectively distributing power components across three spatial zones to achieve compactness while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The power system is segmented into distinct functional modules (drive motor, battery, generator) that are spatially separated along the vehicle's longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while contributing to the overall compact configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle body is designed to be compact, then space efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to accommodate various rotational power systems (hybrid, electric, etc.)
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle frame is designed with universal mounting structures that can accommodate different power system configurations. The longitudinal arrangement of power components creates a versatile platform that can support hybrid systems (with generator), electric systems (with battery), or other configurations without requiring fundamental redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The power system configuration is made dynamic and adaptable through modular component design. The vehicle can be configured for different operational modes (hybrid, electric, etc.) by adjusting the presence and connection of specific components while maintaining the same compact physical layout
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 results in a compact and strong vehicle body that is versatile and compatible with various rotational power systems, enabling the production of both series hybrid and electric type straddled vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a drive unit including a drive motor, a control unit, and a gear box, the drive motor being configured to receive electric power supplied from the power source unit, and drive the driving wheel
Implementation Method 2
If an electric power generation unit is attached to the frame structure, a series hybrid type straddled vehicle can be produced
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a straddled vehicle in which a compact and strong vehicle body can be obtained, and furthermore a versatile vehicle body that is compatible with various rotational power systems can be obtained. A straddled vehicle according to the present teaching includes a drive motor, a control unit, and a gear box. The drive motor is arranged off-set toward a first direction from the center of the straddled vehicle with respect to a left-right direction of the straddled vehicle, provided that the left-right direction is composed of the first direction and a second direction. The drive motor is arranged so as not to overlap a power source unit when viewed in the left-right direction. The control unit is positioned farther in the second direction than the drive motor, and is arranged so as to have an overlap with the drive motor when viewed in the left-right direction, and so as not to overlap the power source unit when viewed in the left-right direction. The gear box is provided to a frame body, and is configured such that the drive motor and the control unit are provided thereto. The gear box supports the rear arm swingably, is positioned farther in the second direction than the drive motor, is arranged so as to have an overlap with the drive motor when viewed in the left-right direction, is positioned farther in the first direction than the control unit, is arranged so as to have an overlap with the control unit when viewed in the left-right direction, and is arranged so as not to overlap the power source unit when viewed in the left-right direction.