Straddled Vehicle Sensing Device Mounting Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional straddled vehicles face challenges in arranging lights and sensing devices compactly while maintaining sufficient support rigidity due to the limited distance between mounting portions, which affects the overall structural integrity and visibility.

Innovation Solution

The arrangement of left and right mounting portions above and extending from the sensing device to the light lenses allows for a wider distance between mounting points without enlarging the light lenses, enhancing support rigidity and compactness, with additional features like ribs and a waterproof housing for improved assembly and light shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the distance between the first mounting portion and the second mounting portion is increased to improve support rigidity, then the support rigidity of the detection unit is improved, but the size of the headlights must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport rigidityVSAvoidheadlight size
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of mounting portions to a vertical arrangement by extending mounting portions upward from the detection unit body. This dimensional change allows the mounting portions to be positioned above the light lenses, increasing the effective distance between mounting points without increasing the horizontal footprint or light lens size.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of extending mounting portions horizontally outward from the detection unit body, the patent inverts the approach by extending them vertically upward. This inversion allows the mounting portions to achieve greater separation distance while maintaining compact horizontal dimensions and avoiding enlargement of the light lenses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If the distance between the left and right headlights is increased to widen the distance between mounting portions, then the support rigidity is improved, but the overall vehicle front appearance and compactness are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport rigidityVSAvoidfront view area
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension above the light lenses to position the mounting portions, thereby achieving greater separation between mounting points without increasing the horizontal width or front view area of the vehicle. This allows compact front-end design while maintaining structural rigidity.

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

3Area of stationary object

If mounting portions are arranged close together to maintain compactness, then the vehicle front design is compact, but the support rigidity of the sensing device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefront view areaVSAvoidsupport rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By extending mounting portions vertically upward from the detection unit body to positions above the light lenses, the patent achieves both compact horizontal dimensions and sufficient separation between mounting portions. This vertical arrangement provides adequate leverage arms for mounting while maintaining a compact front-end appearance.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4403444A1Straddled vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4403444A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4403444A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4403444A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A straddled vehicle (1) includes a vehicle body (2), a left light (21), a right light (22), a sensing device (28), a left mounting portion (65), and a right mounting portion (66). The left light (21) includes a left light lens (23). The right light (22) includes a right light lens (24). At least a portion of the sensing device (28) is arranged between the left light lens (23) and the right light lens (24) as seen in a vehicle front view. The left mounting portion (65) is arranged above and leftward of the sensing device (28), and is a portion for mounting the sensing device (28) to the vehicle body (2). The right mounting portion (66) is arranged above and rightward of the sensing device (28) and is for mounting the sensing device (28) to the vehicle body (2). At least a portion of the left mount extends from the sensing device (28) to above the left light lens (23). At least a portion of the right mount extends from the sensing device (28) to above the right light lens (24).