Vehicle Footrest and Engine Layout for Wider Crankshaft Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional straddled vehicles face challenges in providing a comfortable ride when the engine dimensions increase in the width direction, as the layout is compromised, affecting the positioning of the footrests and other components.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle design includes a crank shaft and input shaft positioned between the upper and lower ends of a rear step, with a layout that allows the engine to protrude in the width direction without interfering with the footrests, and utilizes a separate transmission component ahead of the engine to maintain a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the engine displacement is increased to increase power output, then the engine size and widthwise dimension increase, but the footrest positioning and riding comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the engine components (crankshaft and input shaft) from the conventional plane to a three-dimensional arrangement where they extend in the width direction while being positioned behind the footrests in the fore-aft direction. This dimensional reorganization allows the engine to accommodate increased displacement without compromising footrest positioning or riding comfort.
2Power
If the engine widthwise dimension is increased to accommodate larger displacement, then the engine can provide more power, but the layout space for footrests and other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric layout where the engine is positioned with its crankshaft and input shaft extending in the width direction but located behind the footrests in the fore-aft direction. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the use of available space, allowing increased engine widthwise dimension while preserving adequate footrest area and component layout space.
3Power
If the engine is positioned to maximize power output, then the crankshaft extends in the width direction, but the footrest positioning becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the conflict between engine positioning and footrest positioning by utilizing three-dimensional space. The crankshaft and input shaft are positioned behind the footrests in the fore-aft direction while extending in the width direction, allowing both the engine and footrests to be optimally positioned without interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle, including: a body frame; a saddle-style seat provided on the body frame; a pair of front wheels provided at a front portion of the body frame; a pair of rear wheels provided at a rear portion of the body frame; an engine provided in the body frame and including a crank shaft extending in a width direction of the vehicle; and a footrest provided at the body frame and including a first step and a second step provided behind the first step and extending diagonally rearward. The crank shaft is located between an upper end and a lower end of the second step in a height direction of the vehicle, and further rearward than the second step in a fore-aft direction of the vehicle.