Swing Arm Supporting Structure for Removable Auxiliary Batteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid saddle-type vehicles face challenges in transitioning to pure electric vehicles due to increased weight, limited space for additional batteries, and structural modifications, leading to complexity and cost, while maintaining dynamic stability and ride quality.

Innovation Solution

A modular energy storage system is integrated into the vehicle's swing arm, allowing removable mounting of auxiliary energy storage devices without altering the existing hybrid layout, utilizing a hub motor for direct wheel drive and regenerative braking to recharge batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If additional batteries are mounted in limited vehicle space, then traveling distance is extended, but structural challenges and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraveling distanceVSAvoidstructural challenges
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The swing arm is designed with a universal mounting interface that serves dual purposes: supporting the rear wheel and providing mounting capability for auxiliary energy storage devices. This multi-functional design allows the same structural component to fulfill multiple roles without adding separate mounting structures, thereby extending traveling distance while avoiding increased structural complexity.

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

2Duration of action of moving object

If hybrid vehicle configuration with both internal combustion engine and electric motor is used, then long travel capability is achieved, but vehicle weight and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelong travel capabilityVSAvoidvehicle weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle powertrain configuration is made dynamic and adaptable through the removable auxiliary battery system. The vehicle can operate in different modes (single battery electric mode, hybrid mode with both engines and batteries, or extended range mode with all power sources) depending on the presence and configuration of the auxiliary energy storage device, allowing optimization of weight versus travel capability based on specific operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If manufacturer produces vehicles with multiple technology types simultaneously, then market coverage is improved, but production complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarket coverageVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The swing arm mounting interface provides a universal platform that accommodates multiple powertrain configurations (internal combustion engine only, electric motor only, hybrid, or various battery configurations). This universal design allows the same base vehicle platform to be produced in different technology variants without requiring separate dedicated mounting structures for each powertrain type, thereby reducing production complexity while maintaining market versatility.

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

4Loss of time

If conventional hybrid vehicle layout is retained during conversion to electric vehicle, then conversion time and cost are reduced, but space for energy storage devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion timeVSAvoidspace for energy storage devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary energy storage devices are mounted on the swing arm, utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions of the vehicle's rear suspension area rather than consuming horizontal floor space. This dimensional approach allows additional battery capacity to be integrated into the existing hybrid vehicle layout without requiring extensive structural modifications or sacrificing passenger/cargo space, thereby enabling quick conversion while accommodating adequate energy storage volume.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3672863B1Supporting structure for a two wheeled vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 TVS MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3672863B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3672863B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3672863B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle (1) comprising a frame (2), a swing arm (10) journaled to the frame (2), an electric motor (5a) coupled to the rear wheel (5) and supplies a rotational driving force to the rear wheel (5) and at least one supporting structure (200) adapted for housing one or more energy storage devices (201), (202), (300) therein. In the present invention, said at least one supporting structure (200) comprises one or more mounting portions (200d), (200e) integrally formed to at least a portion thereof. The one or more mounting portions (200d), (200e) is configured for removably mounting said at least one supporting structure (200) on at least a portion of said swing arm (10) through said at least one mounting boss (12), (13).