Straddled Vehicle Brake Hydraulic Control Adjusting Rigidity Feel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing straddled vehicle braking systems complicate the adjustment of rigidity feel, requiring part replacement and not allowing for simple modification of the braking operation element's rigidity feel based on conventional methods.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of independent front-wheel and rear-wheel brake fluid channels with electric actuators controlled by drive signals, allowing external adjustment of brake hydraulic pressure correlation with the operation condition of the braking elements, enabling simpler adjustment of rigidity feel without changing the parts' rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional braking systems use fixed rigid parts, then structural strength is maintained, but adjustment of rigidity feel becomes complicated requiring part replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of rigidity feelVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the braking system's rigidity characteristic adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the correlation between operation condition and drive signal to electric actuator, allowing the rigidity feel to be modified without physical part replacement. This transforms a static mechanical system into a dynamically adjustable one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the correlation parameter between operation condition and drive signal. Instead of changing physical parameters like part rigidity or geometry, the system changes the control parameter (correlation value) that determines how the electric actuator responds to operation element movement, thereby adjusting rigidity feel through software/control parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If independent brake fluid channels with electric actuators are implemented, then rigidity feel adjustment becomes simpler, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of rigidity feel adjustmentVSAvoidstructural complexity of braking system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linkage system with an electric actuator system. Instead of using purely mechanical components (cables, linkages) to transmit braking force, the system uses electric actuators that receive drive signals from a control unit. This substitution enables electronic control of rigidity feel, making adjustment simpler through software rather than mechanical modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the operation element and the electric actuator. It processes the operation condition, determines the appropriate drive signal based on the stored correlation, and sends commands to the actuator. This intermediary layer enables flexible adjustment of rigidity feel without requiring direct mechanical changes to the braking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If correlation between operation condition and drive signal is modified, then rigidity feel is enhanced without part modification, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to adjust rigidity feelVSAvoidautomation level of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying the drive signal correlation based on operation conditions. The control unit monitors the operation element's movement and autonomously determines the appropriate actuator response without requiring external manual intervention. This self-service capability enhances rigidity feel adjustment while maintaining systematic automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the operation condition of the operation element and using this information to adjust the drive signal to the electric actuator. The control unit receives feedback about lever position or force applied and modifies the actuator's response in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that dynamically optimizes rigidity feel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3378716B1Saddle-type vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3378716B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3378716B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3A
  • EP3378716B1 patent drawingFigure 3B~4

AI summary

A straddled vehicle includes a front-wheel braking operation element, a rear-wheel braking operation element and a brake hydraulic-pressure control device. The brake hydraulic-pressure control device includes: an electric actuator capable of controlling the brake hydraulic pressure acting on the wheel cylinder of one of the front-wheel and rear-wheel brakes; one braking operation condition detection unit for detecting the operation condition of one braking operation element; a drive signal generation unit for generating a drive signal for driving the electric actuator; and an external input unit to which an operation device operable by a person may be connected. The drive signal generation unit defines the correlation between the operation condition of the one braking operation element and the drive signal for the electric actuator. The drive signal generation unit includes a correlation changing unit for changing the correlation between the operation condition of the one braking operation element and the drive signal for the electric actuator depending on a signal received by the external input unit from the outside.