Automatic Clutch Push-Start Control for Saddle-Riding Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In motorcycles with automatic clutch mechanisms, the clutch cannot be manually applied or released, making it difficult to start the engine when battery capacity is low, and in 'normally closed' type mechanisms, power transmission can hinder push-starting.
Innovation Solution
A saddle-riding type vehicle with an automatic clutch mechanism controlled by an actuator, including a control unit that detects engine stop, gear selection, vehicle speed, and switch states to enable push-starting by applying and releasing the clutch, using existing switches and sensors for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a normally open clutch mechanism is used, then the clutch can be automatically controlled, but the engine cannot be started by push-starting because the rear wheel rotation cannot be transmitted to the crankshaft
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism is designed to dynamically switch between automatic control mode and manual push-start mode. The control unit detects push-start conditions (vehicle moving forward, gear engaged, engine stopped) and temporarily overrides the automatic clutch control to allow manual engagement, enabling the rider to push-start the vehicle even with an automatically controlled clutch system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the automatic clutch actuator and the rider's manual push-start action. It monitors push-start conditions and mediates the clutch state transitions, allowing the clutch to remain automatically controlled during normal operation while permitting manual engagement during push-start scenarios.
2Reliability
If a normally closed clutch mechanism is used, then the power transmission line remains connected, but it becomes difficult for the rider to push the motorcycle
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism dynamically adjusts its state based on operating conditions. During push-start detection, the control unit commands the clutch to disengage, creating a temporary mechanical decoupling that allows the rider to push the motorcycle without resistance from the engaged clutch and connected power transmission line.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary action by detecting push-start conditions before the rider attempts to push and proactively disengaging the clutch. This prevents the harmful effect of clutch resistance during push-starting while maintaining the normally closed configuration for normal power transmission.
3Extent of automation
If the clutch is automatically controlled without manual override, then automation is improved, but the ability to handle low battery capacity situations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch control system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both automatic control purposes during normal operation and manual push-start purposes during low battery situations. The control unit interprets various input conditions (gear position, vehicle motion, engine state) to determine when to permit manual clutch engagement, making the system adaptable to different operating scenarios including battery failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors feedback from sensors detecting vehicle motion, gear engagement, and engine stop state to determine when push-start conditions exist. This feedback mechanism allows the automatically controlled clutch system to recognize and respond to low battery situations by permitting manual engagement when appropriate.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is provided a saddle-riding type vehicle including an automatic clutch mechanism configured to be activated by an actuator which enables a push start to be executed, so that even when a charged capacity of a battery is reduced, an engine can be started. A control unit (10) of a saddle-riding type vehicle (1) proceeds to a push start control mode when an engine stopped state detection portion (10c) detects a stopped state of an engine, a vehicle stopped state detection portion (10b) detects a stopped state of the saddle-riding type vehicle (1), and a gear selected state detection portion (10d) detects a state in which any one of gears of a transmission (TM) is selected. In the push start control mode, the control unit (10) applies a clutch (CL) to start the engine (6) when a vehicle speed detection portion (10a) detects a predetermined vehicle speed or faster, and a cutoff switch state detection portion (10e) detects a change in state of a cutoff switch (4b).