Straddled Vehicle Side Case Mounting Bracket and Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in manufacturing straddled vehicles is the complexity in attaching a side case due to interference issues with the vehicle body cover and the need for visible holes in standard type vehicles, which compromises design and manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A straddled vehicle design featuring a bracket system that allows easy attachment of a side case by hiding the stay and mounting portions, using a bracket and side cover configuration that overlaps with the connecting and mounting portions, and employing fixing members that enhance support and anti-theft features while concealing holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hole for passing the stay is provided in the vehicle body cover, then the stay can be attached to the vehicle body frame, but the hole becomes visible in the standard type vehicle and design is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment of side caseVSAvoiddesign appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle body cover is segmented into two parts: a first side cover that covers the stay attachment area and a second side cover that completes the aesthetic appearance. This segmentation allows the stay to be attached while hiding the attachment components from view in standard type vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first side cover acts as an intermediary component between the stay and the vehicle body cover. It conceals the stay and its attachment hole while still allowing the stay to pass through and function properly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the stay is attached to the vehicle body frame, then high rigidity is achieved, but the vehicle body cover interferes with the stay and assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigidity of vehicle body frameVSAvoidassembly of stay to vehicle body cover
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is segmented into multiple components: the stay attached to the vehicle body frame, the first side cover that conceals the stay, and the second side cover that completes the appearance. This segmentation resolves the interference issue while maintaining rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first side cover serves as an intermediary that mediates between the stay (attached to the rigid vehicle body frame) and the aesthetic requirements of the vehicle body cover. It allows the stay to be attached to the frame while hiding it from view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hole is drilled in the vehicle body cover for optional type vehicle, then the side case can be attached, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoption to attach side caseVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle body cover is pre-designed with the first and second side covers as integrated components during the manufacturing process. The stay attachment hole and covering structure are prepared in advance, eliminating the need for additional drilling operations when manufacturing optional type vehicles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Strength

If the stay is attached to the grab rail, then high rigidity is not required for the vehicle body cover, but the mounting position becomes far from the grab rail and the stay becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverigidity requirement of vehicle body coverVSAvoidlength of stay
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stay is routed through a different spatial dimension by passing it through the vehicle body cover structure rather than extending externally from the grab rail. This dimensional change allows the stay to be shorter while still achieving proper attachment positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3971069B1Straddled vehicle and manufacturing method for manufacturing straddled vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3971069B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3971069B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3971069B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A frame is arranged below a seat. A vehicle body cover includes an opening located on a lateral side of the frame and covers the frame from the lateral side. A bracket is arranged in the opening and connected to the frame. A stay includes a connecting portion and a mounting portion. The connecting portion is connected to the bracket. The mounting portion extends from the connecting portion. A side case is attached to the mounting portion. A first side cover is attached to the vehicle body cover. The first side cover overlaps with the connecting portion as seen in a vehicle side view.