Inner-Side Wheel Speed Sensor Mounting for Accurate Hidden Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wheel speed sensor mounting configurations in straddle-type vehicles compromise external appearance and positional accuracy, as the sensor is often exposed and difficult to accurately mount when positioned on the inner side of the vehicle width direction.

Innovation Solution

A wheel speed sensor mounting structure where the sensor is disposed on the inner side of the wheel support member, utilizing positioning parts and a protective member to enhance visibility and mounting accuracy, with the sensor being sandwiched between holding and positioning parts for improved accuracy and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the wheel speed sensor is mounted on the outer side of the swing arm, then the mounting position is easily identifiable and mounting accuracy is improved, but the external appearance is degraded due to exposure of the sensor and cover member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting positional accuracyVSAvoidexternal appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional mounting approach by positioning the wheel speed sensor on the inner side of the swing arm instead of the outer side. This inversion hides the sensor within the vehicle structure, improving external appearance while maintaining mounting accuracy through specially designed positioning parts that guide the sensor to its correct location during assembly

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

2Shape

If the wheel speed sensor is mounted on the inner side of the swing arm, then the external appearance is improved by hiding the sensor, but mounting positional accuracy deteriorates due to difficulty in identifying the mounting position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal appearanceVSAvoidmounting positional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces positioning parts as intermediary elements between the swing arm and the wheel speed sensor. These positioning parts serve as mediators that guide the sensor to its precise mounting location on the inner side of the swing arm, ensuring accurate positioning despite the hidden location. The positioning parts include guide surfaces and engagement features that facilitate precise alignment during assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a cover member is provided to protect the wheel speed sensor, then protection is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protective cover function with the positioning function by integrating the positioning parts into the swing arm structure itself. The positioning parts serve dual purposes: they guide the wheel speed sensor to its correct location and simultaneously provide protection. This merging eliminates the need for separate cover members, reducing device complexity while maintaining protection and positioning functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4026762B1Wheel speed sensor mounting structure
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4026762B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4026762B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4026762B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This wheel speed sensor mounting structure includes a wheel support member (38) supported by a vehicle body (F) and configured to support a wheel (WR), and a wheel speed sensor (51) detecting a rotation speed of the wheel (WR), in which the wheel speed sensor (51) is disposed on an inner side of the wheel support member (38) in a vehicle width direction, and at least a part thereof is disposed in a region (N) surrounded by an axle (AR) of the wheel (WR) and chassis component attachment parts (38c1 and 38c2) of the wheel support member (38) in a side view.