Saddle-Type Vehicle Step Structure for Terrain Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional saddle-type vehicles struggle to comfortably traverse a wide range of road conditions from urban roads to rough terrain due to inadequate step structures.
Innovation Solution
A saddle-type vehicle design featuring a longitudinally continuous main step with a separate, openable and closable plate-like step positioned forward, and a sub-step positioned rearward, allowing for adjustable foot placement and reduced vehicle width on rough terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle body width is reduced for rough terrain, then maneuverability on rough terrain is improved, but driver comfort and foot protection on urban roads deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The plate-like step is designed to be movable between two positions: positioned outwardly when open to provide foot support and protection on urban roads, and positioned upwardly when closed to reduce vehicle width on rough terrain. This dynamic repositioning allows the vehicle to adapt its configuration based on road conditions, resolving the contradiction between comfort and maneuverability
2Ease of operation
If the plate-like step is positioned outwardly to provide foot support, then driver comfort on urban roads is improved, but vehicle width increases reducing maneuverability on rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The plate-like step can be dynamically positioned outwardly to extend foot support for driver comfort on urban roads, or repositioned upwardly to minimize vehicle width for rough terrain maneuverability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the plate-like step is open to protect feet from mud, then foot protection is improved, but vehicle width increases affecting rough terrain performance
Solution Approach 1:
The plate-like step is positioned outwardly in open condition to protect the driver's feet from mud and debris on urban roads, and repositioned upwardly when closed to maintain compact vehicle width for rough terrain capability
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a saddle-type vehicle having a step structure which makes it possible for the vehicle to travel comfortably on a wide variety of road conditions from urban roads to rough terrain. A saddle-type vehicle having a main step 48 provided longitudinally continuously at a position disposed outwardly in the widthwise direction of the vehicle between a bar handle 69 and an occupant seat 13, includes a plate-like step 80 that is separate from the main step 48 and provided at a position forward of the main step 48, the plate-like step 80 being provided openably and closably such that the plate-like step 80 has an outer edge 80c that is positioned outwardly in the widthwise direction of the vehicle when the plate-like step 80 is open and that is positioned upwardly when the plate-like step 80 is closed.