Straddled Vehicle Electrical Component Case Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of electrical components on straddled vehicles has led to higher design and manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple case shapes to accommodate different seat frame lengths, resulting in increased complexity and labor in arranging these components.

Innovation Solution

A design where the shape of one case can be easily changed to accommodate different vehicle lengths without altering the other, allowing for shared use across various straddled vehicles, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the arrangement of electrical components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of cases with different shapes are prepared for different seat frame lengths, then the cases can be specifically adapted to different vehicle types, but the manufacturing cost and design complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecase adaptability to different seat frame lengthsVSAvoidcase type variety and design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into a first case and a second case that can be used independently or in combination. The first case has a standardized shape that can be shared across different vehicle types, while the second case can be modified or selected based on specific vehicle requirements. This segmentation allows the patent to reduce the number of unique case designs needed while maintaining adaptability to different seat frame lengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first case is designed with universal dimensions and mounting provisions that allow it to be used across multiple vehicle types with different seat frame lengths. By creating a standardized first case that can serve multiple functions and be combined with different second cases, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of cases with different shapes are prepared for different seat frame lengths, then the cases can fit different vehicle configurations, but the manufacturing cost increases due to multiple forming dies and production processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecase compatibility across vehicle typesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and production complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the case into standardized first case and customizable second case, the patent enables mass production of the first case using a single forming die, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. The second case can be produced in smaller quantities or with simpler modifications to accommodate specific vehicle requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying only the second case's dimensions or configuration to adapt to different vehicle types, while keeping the first case's parameters standardized. This approach allows for cost-effective adaptation through minimal production variations rather than completely different case designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If the arrangement of electrical components is designed for each specific case shape, then the components can be optimally positioned, but the design time and labor cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical component arrangement optimizationVSAvoiddesign time and labor cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical component arrangement is segmented into two parts: components in the first case follow a standardized layout that can be reused across different vehicle types, while components in the second case are arranged according to specific vehicle requirements. This segmentation significantly reduces design time and labor costs while maintaining optimal component positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized arrangement of electrical components in the first case is established in advance and can be reused across multiple vehicle types. This preliminary design action eliminates the need to redesign the entire component arrangement for each vehicle type, thereby reducing design time and labor costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3974301B1Straddled vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3974301B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3974301B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3974301B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A straddled vehicle (1) has a right seat frame (4), a left seat frame (5), a seat (20), a first case (41), a second case (61), first electrical components (70), and second electrical components (90). The first case (41) and second case (61) are located leftward of the right seat frame (4), rightward of the left seat frame (5), and below the seat (20), respectively. The second case (61) is located behind the first case (41). The second case (61) is an element separate from the first case (41). The first electrical components (70) are stored in the first case (41). The second electrical components (90) are stored in the second case (61). The first electrical components (70) comprise a battery (71) and a hydraulic unit (72). The second electrical components (90) comprise a first connector (91). The second case (61) is smaller in volume than the first case (41).