Double-Gyroscope Stabilization for Motorized Two-Wheelers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for stabilizing two-wheelers in critical driving situations, such as those used in motor vehicles, are not applicable to two-wheelers due to their unique dynamics influenced by gyroscopic effects and angular momentum changes during steering maneuvers.

Innovation Solution

A method employing two pivotable gyroscopes with parallel axes of rotation, driven by electric motors, which pivot in opposite directions to apply targeted torque to the vehicle, stabilizing it by generating a yawing moment when unstable driving behavior is detected, and slowly returning to their original position to minimize dynamic changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If targeted and asymmetrical braking of individual wheels is used, then stabilization effectiveness is improved for multi-wheel vehicles, but the system is not applicable to two-wheelers due to their unique design and dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestabilization effectivenessVSAvoidapplicability to two-wheelers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization system is segmented into two independent gyroscopes that can operate independently or in combination. Each gyroscope can be controlled separately to produce targeted torque vectors, allowing adaptation to two-wheeler dynamics while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using asymmetrical braking as the primary stabilization mechanism, the patent inverts the approach by using symmetrical gyroscope activation that produces asymmetrical torque effects through the physics of gyroscopic precession, making the system suitable for two-wheelers.

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

2Speed

If the two rotating gyros are pivoted back into their original orientation quickly, then the response time is improved, but a larger torque acts on the vehicle which may cause instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse timeVSAvoidvehicle stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The gyroscope pivoting is implemented as a controlled periodic action with two distinct phases: a fast pivoting phase to generate stabilization torque, and a slow return phase to minimize disturbance. This periodic control pattern optimizes both response time and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The angular velocity parameter of the gyroscope pivoting is dynamically changed between two states: a high angular velocity during the stabilization phase to achieve quick response, and a low angular velocity during the return phase to maintain vehicle stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the gyroscopes are used to generate yawing moment for stabilization, then driving stability is improved, but the gyroscopic effects and angular momentum changes during steering maneuvers are not suitable for two-wheelers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with two-wheeler dynamics
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering stabilization methods with a gyroscopic system that uses controlled angular momentum changes. The electrically-driven gyroscopes provide torque through precession rather than direct mechanical intervention, adapting the stabilization approach to two-wheeler dynamics.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The gyroscope system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can generate yawing moments for stabilization, it can be deactivated during normal steering maneuvers to avoid interference, and it can be activated in response to detected unstable driving behavior, making it universally applicable to two-wheeler operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively stabilizes a motorized two-wheeler by applying a controlled torque vector in the plane of rotation, counteracting swerving and maintaining stable driving dynamics without affecting normal operation.

Implementation Method 1

The motorcycling dynamics are strongly determined and stabilized by the gyroscopic effect of the wheels and the change in angular momentum caused by steering manoeuvres

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscopic effect: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 2

the change in angular momentum caused by steering manoeuvres

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAngular momentum: Angular Momentum

Implementation Method 3

the two rotating gyros are pivoted about their respective pivoting axis at a first angular velocity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecession: Precession

Data Source

PatentEP2941380B1Method and device for the driving stabilization of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle by means of a double-gyroscope device
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2941380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2941380B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the driving stabilization of a motorized two-wheeled vehicle, comprising two gyroscopes arranged next to each other which have axes of rotation parallel to each other, wherein the gyroscopes can each be pivoted about a pivot axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation, wherein the pivot axes of the two gyroscopes are likewise parallel to each other, wherein the gyroscopes rotate about the axes of rotation thereof in directions of rotation opposite to each other, wherein if unstable driving behavior of the two-wheeled vehicle is detected, the two gyroscopes are pivoted about the respective pivot axis thereof at a first angular velocity, wherein the pivoting directions are opposite each other, wherein subsequently the two gyroscopes are pivoted back to the original orientation thereof about the respective pivot axis thereof at a second angular velocity.