Straddle-Type Vehicle Cover Assembly Rigidity and Edge Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing straddle-type vehicle body covers lack sufficient rigidity and have exposed mating surfaces, requiring increased fastening rigidity and precise edge joining, which complicates assembly and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A straddle-type vehicle design featuring a second cover with a covering surface, first and second bent edges, and third bent edges that support and conceal the side edges of first and third covers, enhancing rigidity and appearance by distributing forces and hiding mating surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If three cover components are fastened together to cover the head pipe, then the coverage is complete, but the rigidity is insufficient and the fastening part requires increased rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cover components (front leg shield, inner cover, rear leg shield) into an integrated assembly where the front cowl and leg shield are positioned and fastened together to form a unified structure. This integration improves overall rigidity while distributing fastening requirements across multiple strategic locations rather than concentrating complexity in single fastening points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature to the covering surfaces of all cover components, creating aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing rounded contours. The front cowl, leg shield, and inner cover all feature curved surfaces that flow into each other, eliminating sharp edges and creating a cohesive, rigid structure that resists deformation while maintaining visual continuity.
2Shape
If edges of covers are joined precisely to provide good appearance, then the appearance is improved, but additional work is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved covering surfaces on all visible edges of the cover components. The front cowl, leg shield, and inner cover are designed with rounded contours that eliminate sharp exposed edges, providing good appearance without requiring extremely precise joining. The curvature naturally conceals minor misalignments and creates a smooth, continuous visual appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the inner cover within the assembly formed by the front leg shield and rear leg shield, creating a nested configuration. The side surfaces of the inner cover are substantially flush with the covering surfaces of the outer components, allowing the inner cover to be nested within the overall structure while maintaining aligned edges that provide good appearance without requiring complex external fastening.
3Stability of the object's composition
If covers are joined together, then the structure is complete, but mating surfaces become exposed requiring precise joining
Solution Approach 1:
The patent configures the inner cover to be nested within the assembly of front and rear leg shields, with its side surfaces substantially flush with the covering surfaces of the outer components. This nested arrangement provides structural integrity by creating interlocking surfaces while the flush alignment naturally conceals mating surfaces, reducing the precision requirements for edge joining compared to external butt joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curved surfaces to all joining edges and mating surfaces of the cover components. The rounded contours of the front cowl, leg shield, and inner cover create gradual transitions at joints rather than sharp corners, which distributes stress and provides tolerance for manufacturing variations. The curved surfaces conceal mating surfaces by creating continuous visual flows that mask joint lines.
Data Source
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AI summary
A straddle-type vehicle includes a first cover at least a part of which is disposed in front of a head pipe in side view. Moreover, the straddle-type vehicle includes a third cover adjacent to the first cover, at least a part of the third cover being disposed below the head pipe. Furthermore, the straddle-type vehicle includes a second cover at least a part of which is disposed on a side of the head pipe in front view. The second cover includes a covering surface that covers a side of the vehicle, a first bent edge that is bent away from the covering surface toward the inside of the straddle-type vehicle and joined to a side edge of the first cover from the outside, and a second bent edge that is bent away from the covering surface toward the inside of the straddle-type vehicle and joined to a side edge of the third cover from the outside. Furthermore, the straddle-type vehicle includes a protrusion in which a side edge of the first cover or the third cover protrudes toward the front of the straddle-type vehicle, a side of the protrusion being covered with the covering surface of the second cover.