CMG Tire Traction Control for High-Speed Motorcycle Cornering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Two-wheeled vehicles, such as motorcycles, are limited by a lack of aerodynamically induced traction advantage, resulting in slower lap times compared to aerodynamically enhanced vehicles like Formula 1 cars, due to insufficient tire traction at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
An augmented tire traction system for two-wheeled vehicles utilizing a control moment gyroscope (CMG) system, aerodynamic control, and steering systems to increase tire traction by generating torque and downward forces, counteracting centrifugal forces and enhancing cornering capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If aerodynamic devices are added to two-wheeled vehicles to increase tire traction, then cornering speed and tire traction are improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical aerodynamic devices (spoilers, wings) with a control moment gyroscope (CMG) system that uses rotational mechanics and angular momentum to generate traction augmenting forces. The CMG system substitutes aerodynamic complexity with a more compact gyroscopic mechanism that produces equivalent or superior traction effects without requiring large external aerodynamic surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from aerodynamic force generation to gyroscopic torque generation. By utilizing the CMG's ability to produce controlled torques through flywheel rotation and precession, the system achieves traction enhancement through a different physical mechanism that is less complex than traditional aerodynamic solutions for two-wheeled vehicles.
2Force
If aerodynamic devices are added to increase tire traction, then cornering performance is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes heavy aerodynamic structures with a lighter CMG system. The gyroscopic mechanism requires less material and structural support compared to aerodynamic devices that must withstand high airflow forces, resulting in weight reduction while maintaining or improving traction performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic CMG system where the flywheel rotation speed and orientation can be adjusted in real-time to optimize traction enhancement. This dynamic capability allows the system to achieve high traction forces only when needed during cornering, rather than requiring constant aerodynamic downforce, thereby reducing overall weight requirements.
3Force
If aerodynamic devices are added to two-wheeled vehicles, then tire traction in high speed turns is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors vehicle state (speed, lean angle, steering input) and automatically adjusts CMG flywheel parameters to provide optimal traction enhancement. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for driver intervention or complex manual adjustments, maintaining ease of operation while maximizing tire traction during cornering maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The CMG system is designed to automatically activate and adjust its parameters based on detected cornering conditions, providing self-service traction enhancement without requiring driver awareness or manual control. The system serves itself by using vehicle sensor data to autonomously optimize its torque output, thereby maintaining simple operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system significantly increases tire traction and stability, enabling two-wheeled vehicles to maintain higher speeds and navigate turns more effectively, comparable to aerodynamically enhanced vehicles, by optimizing tire interaction with the road surface.
Implementation Method 1
a control moment gyroscope (CMG) system... to increase tire traction by generating torque
Implementation Method 2
a control moment gyroscope (CMG) system... to increase tire traction by generating torque
Implementation Method 3
aerodynamic control... to generate torque and downward forces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An augmented traction system for a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a CMG (control moment gyroscope) system including a plurality of CMGs to provide a first torque vector to decrease a roll angle of a turn of the vehicle and to increase force on one or more of the tires of the vehicle on a road surface, a steering system for the vehicle, the steering system to determine a steering control for the turn of the vehicle at a particular vehicle speed and roll angle, based on sensor data, and an aerodynamic control system to actuate one or more aerodynamic elements of the vehicle, the one or more aerodynamic elements to provide a second torque vector to decrease the roll angle of the vehicle.