Straddle Vehicle Switch Case Indicator Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional straddle-type vehicle operation unit structures increase the number of parts by using separate components for indicators, which can compromise visibility and require additional protection from the operator's knee, leading to a need for reducing part count and enhancing visibility.

Innovation Solution

Integrating indicators into the switch case common to the operating elements, positioning them to protrude rearward and direct inward for improved visibility, and incorporating a recessed start switch to prevent knee interference, along with a non-rotatable switch case and throttle housing fitment to reduce parts and enhance protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If indicators are provided via a separate stay or component, then the indicators can be displayed, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindicator visibilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the indicators directly into the switch case, combining the indicator housing function with the switch case structure. This eliminates the need for a separate stay or mounting component, reducing the total part count while maintaining indicator display functionality and visibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If indicators are provided via a stay or separate component, then the indicators can be installed, but additional protective covers are needed to prevent knee interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindicator visibilityVSAvoidknee interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The switch case is designed to simultaneously serve as both the indicator housing and the protective cover. The integrated structure provides the necessary protection against knee interference while displaying the indicators, eliminating the need for separate protective covers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The indicators are positioned on the rearward-protruding surface of the switch case, orienting them in a direction that improves visibility while the overall case geometry provides protection from knee interference from below

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If the switch case and throttle housing are separately fitted with rotation capability, then installation flexibility is improved, but the number of parts and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch case and throttle housing are non-rotatably fitted together as a single integrated assembly, reducing the number of rotational joints and parts while maintaining the necessary installation flexibility through the overall assembly design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11279435B2Operation unit structure of straddle-type vehicle, and straddle-type vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An operation unit structure of the embodiment includes a switch case disposed close to a grip part of a handlebar of a straddle-type vehicle, an operating element provided in the switch case, and indicators and provided in the switch case common to the operating element.