Dynamic Vehicle Handgrip Stiffness Control via Actuated Cam
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles with electronic throttle control systems, the lack of feedback makes it difficult for riders/drivers to accurately control torque, as the stiffness of the handgrip is fixed and does not adapt to varying riding styles, leading to uncomfortable or inefficient use.
Innovation Solution
A system with a handgrip mounted on a shaft, equipped with a position sensor and a return spring, featuring actuators that modify the preload of the spring and the travel of the handgrip, allowing dynamic adjustment of resistance and travel based on torque demand, controlled by an electronic control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the handgrip stiffness is increased to provide better torque control feedback, then the control precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased physical effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the handgrip stiffness adjustable rather than fixed. The system uses an actuator to dynamically modify the preload of the return spring based on riding conditions, allowing the stiffness to adapt between different riding styles (touring vs sport mode). This resolves the contradiction by providing high stiffness when precise torque control is needed while maintaining low stiffness for comfortable casual riding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the physical parameter of spring preload force. The electronic control unit adjusts the preload of the return spring through actuator-driven cam movement, changing the stiffness parameter in real-time. This allows the system to optimize both torque control precision and operation ease by selecting appropriate stiffness parameters for different riding scenarios.
2Productivity
If the handgrip travel is reduced to improve torque application efficiency, then the productivity is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates as the system cannot accommodate different riding styles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the handgrip travel distance adjustable through the actuator mechanism. The system can dynamically modify the travel between touring mode (larger travel) and sport mode (reduced travel), allowing optimization of torque application efficiency for each riding style while maintaining versatility across different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the travel distance parameter. The electronic control unit adjusts the handgrip travel by actuating the cam mechanism, which changes the geometric parameter of the handgrip's rotational range. This enables the system to achieve short travel for efficient torque application when needed while maintaining long travel for comfortable touring operation.
3Device complexity
If a fixed spring preload is used to simplify the system design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as the stiffness cannot be modified during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing an actuator mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment of the spring preload. Rather than using multiple fixed springs or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, the system uses an electronically controlled actuator to dynamically modify the preload, achieving adaptability with relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with an electronically controlled actuator. Instead of using multiple mechanical springs with different stiffness values or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, the system uses an electric actuator to modify the preload of a single return spring, simplifying the overall system while maintaining full adaptability across different riding modes.
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
This system provides improved rider/driver control by offering tactile feedback and adaptable handgrip resistance and travel, reducing muscle fatigue and optimizing torque application.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring which is fixed by one end to the handgrip so as to generate a return moment that opposes the twisting of the handgrip
Implementation Method 2
at least one actuator able to move a cam mounted on the shaft and able to modify the preload of the return spring according to the position of the cam
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a vehicle fitted with electrical controls, the control system includes a handgrip mounted on a shaft and fitted with a position sensor and with a return spring which is fixed by one end to the handgrip so as to generate a return moment that opposes the twisting of the handgrip. The system includes at least one actuator able to move a cam mounted on the shaft and able to: modify the preload of the return spring according to the position of the cam to which the other end of the return spring is fixed, and/or modify the travel of the handgrip by collaborating with an end stop of the handgrip, the end stop coming into contact with a cam at the end of the travel.