Straddled Vehicle Frame Lid Member Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Straddled vehicles face challenges in maintaining frame rigidity while minimizing size and manufacturing costs, as existing designs with integrated side frames restrict design freedom and increase costs, and separate side frames compromise rigidity due to lateral forces.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a lid member within the down frame that overlaps and connects with the side frames, enhancing rigidity by suppressing deformation and allowing for separate side frames without increasing the vehicle's size or manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the first side frame and the second side frame are separate parts fixed to the down frame, then the ease of manufacture and design freedom are improved, but the rigidity of the vehicle body frame is reduced due to lateral forces causing down frame deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidrigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The side frames are divided into separate first and second side frames that are independently fixed to the down frame, simplifying manufacturing and assembly processes while allowing independent optimization of each side frame's design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A reinforcing member is introduced as an intermediary element that connects the first and second side frames to each other and to the down frame, providing additional structural support that prevents down frame deformation from lateral forces without complicating the separate side frame design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the pipe-like member is disposed to penetrate the down frame and fixed by welding, then the rigidity is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and design freedom is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing structure is segmented into separate components (first side frame, second side frame, and reinforcing member) that can be manufactured independently and assembled through simple fixation, avoiding the complexity of penetrating pipe structures while maintaining rigidity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing member serves as an intermediary that provides the necessary structural reinforcement without requiring penetration of the down frame, using surface-level connections that are simpler to manufacture and design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3636534B1Straddled vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.12.22 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3636534B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3636534B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3636534B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The lid member (65) is disposed in the down frame (12) and fixed to the down frame (12). The first side frame (61) and the second side frame (62) are separate parts from each other. The first side frame (61) includes a first connection end (63) connected to the down frame (12). The second side frame (62) includes a second connection end (64) connected to the down frame (12). In a vehicle side view, the lid member (65) overlaps the first connection end (63).