Motorcycle Top Case Opening Torque for Smooth Lid Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle top cases face issues with bulky lifting mechanisms that reduce storage space and risk material deformation due to high force concentrations, and they lack adjustable torque control for smooth opening.
Innovation Solution
A motorcycle top case design featuring a lower and upper half-shell with a lifting device that applies a torque with decreasing strength, using an arm and spring mechanism to distribute forces evenly and minimize friction, and an end-of-stroke device to prevent abrupt opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid latch mechanism is used to secure the top case, then the security and reliability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the latch requires significant force to release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical latch mechanism with a magnetic field-based latching system. The magnetic field provides secure holding force during normal operation, but can be easily overcome by a small actuating force, thus maintaining both security and ease of operation without complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the latching mechanism by using magnetic fields instead of mechanical interlocking. The magnetic field strength can be adjusted to provide adequate holding force while requiring minimal force for release, effectively changing the parameter of latching force from mechanical to magnetic domain
2Reliability
If a complex latch mechanism is designed to provide secure closure, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical latch components by substituting them with a magnetic field-based system. This reduces the number of moving parts, simplifies the overall structure, and decreases device complexity while maintaining reliable secure closure through magnetic attraction forces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex mechanical latch mechanism from the system, replacing it with a simpler magnetic field-based solution. This extraction of unnecessary mechanical complexity simplifies the overall device while preserving the essential function of secure closure
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional sealing methods are used at the hinge area, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the weatherproofing deteriorates due to gap formation during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible sealing membrane that can deform and maintain contact with the sealing surface during hinge movement. This flexible film prevents weather ingress by adapting to the changing geometry of the moving parts while remaining simple to manufacture and integrate into the existing hinge structure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design allows for easy, smooth opening of the top case while minimizing space usage and reducing the risk of material damage, with cost-effective components and adjustable torque control.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient arm which is levered about a pivot and has its free end co-operable with the latch
Implementation Method 2
In another aspect the door or top case is provided with a magnetic field for holding the latch in the engaged position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4C
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A top case (1) for a motorcycle (100), comprising a lower half-shell (2) connectable to a motorcycle (100); an upper half-shell (3) hinged to the lower half-shell (2) configured to move between a closed position, in which the lower half-shell (2) and the upper half-shell (3) form a storage compartment (10), and an open position, in which the upper half-shell (3) is partially spaced apart from the lower half-shell (2); a lifting device (4) configured to apply an opening torque (T) with decreasing strength to the upper half-shell (3).