Dual Motor Haptic Feedback for Electric Motorcycle Grips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric motorcycles lack effective means to convey information to riders due to minimal engine noise and vibration, making traditional methods impractical.
Innovation Solution
A haptic feedback system using dual vibration motors mounted on the left and right grips of the handlebar to provide tactile notifications for various conditions, such as state, speed, and battery charge, allowing for independent or combined vibration patterns to convey different information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional display systems (lights, gauges, screens) are used to convey information to the rider, then information can be communicated clearly, but the rider must avert attention from the road to check the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional visual display systems with a haptic feedback system using vibration motors. Instead of relying on visual indicators that require rider attention, the system uses tactile vibrations through the handlebar grips to communicate motorcycle status and warnings, allowing riders to maintain focus on the road while receiving critical information through touch.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration motors act as an intermediary between the motorcycle's control systems and the rider. Rather than directly presenting visual information that requires cognitive processing and visual attention, the system translates status information into distinct vibration patterns that the rider can perceive tactilely, serving as a mediator that conveys information without demanding visual engagement.
2Loss of information
If sound is used to convey information to the rider, then information can be communicated without visual distraction, but sound is impractical on a motorcycle due to noise from engine, exhaust, and wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes acoustic communication methods with mechanical vibration feedback. Instead of using sound waves that compete with ambient noise from the engine and environment, the system employs solid mechanical vibrations transmitted through the handlebar to the rider's hands, creating a communication channel that is immune to acoustic interference from the motorcycle's operation.
3Loss of information
If vibration is used to convey information to the rider, then information can be communicated without visual or acoustic distraction, but vibration is impractical on traditional motorcycles due to inherent vibrations from the internal combustion engine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration feedback system into separate, independently controllable vibration motors positioned at different locations on the handlebar (left and right grips). This segmentation allows the system to produce distinct, localized vibration patterns that can be clearly differentiated from each other and from the diffuse, unpredictable vibrations generated by the engine, enabling reliable information communication through controlled tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by positioning vibration motors at specific locations on the handlebar grips where the rider's hands contact the controls. By concentrating vibration feedback at these precise contact points, the system creates localized tactile signals that are distinct from the broader engine vibrations and can be clearly perceived by the rider's hands without being masked by general motorcycle vibration.
4Device complexity
If a single vibration motor is used on the handlebar, then the system is simple, but the ability to convey distinct information through different vibration patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vibration feedback system into multiple independent vibration motors (at least two, positioned on opposite sides of the handlebar). This segmentation enables the system to convey different types of information through different vibration patterns, locations, and combinations, significantly increasing the versatility of information communication while maintaining relatively simple individual motor units that can be independently controlled.
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
Enables riders to receive critical information without diverting attention from the road, enhancing safety and awareness through distinct and recognizable vibrations for various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A haptic feedback system using dual vibration motors mounted on the left and right grips of the handlebar to provide tactile notifications
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments herein describe a feedback system for an electric motorcycle. The feedback system notifies a user of the electric motorcycle of various conditions of the electric motorcycle via one or more output devices. In one embodiment, the feedback system causes the left and right grips of the handlebar of the electric motorcycle to vibrate to communicate information to the rider of the electric motorcycle.