EPS Torque Sensor Holder Layout for Adjustable Handlebars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Straddled vehicles with EPS require improved handlebar positional settings that do not compromise torque sensor accuracy and maintain rigidity while minimizing the size of the handlebar holder.

Innovation Solution

The handlebar holder is divided into a torque sensor support holder and a handlebar support holder, allowing the positional setting to be changed within a predetermined range, with the torque sensor positioned forward or rearward of the handlebar and the input shaft closer to the steering shaft, enabling the handlebar support holder to be rigidly fixed to the torque sensor support holder, thus maintaining detection accuracy and reducing the size of the handlebar holder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the handlebar holder is made as a single integrated structure, then it has good rigidity, but the handlebar positional setting cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandlebar positional adjustabilityVSAvoidhandlebar holder rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The handlebar holder is divided into two separate components: a torque sensor support holder that supports the torque sensor, and a handlebar support holder that supports the handlebar. These two holders are rigidly fixed to each other, forming a rigid structure while allowing positional adjustment. The segmentation enables independent optimization of each component's function while maintaining overall structural rigidity through their rigid connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the handlebar holder is made small in size, then it saves space, but it becomes difficult to maintain sufficient rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandlebar holder sizeVSAvoidhandlebar holder rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the handlebar holder into two compact holders (torque sensor support holder and handlebar support holder) that are rigidly connected, the overall size is reduced while maintaining rigidity through the rigid connection between components. Each segment can be optimized for minimal size while the rigid connection ensures structural stiffness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the torque sensor is positioned far from the handlebar, then it reduces interference, but it increases the handlebar holder size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque sensor interference from handlebarVSAvoidhandlebar holder size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation into separate torque sensor support holder and handlebar support holder allows the torque sensor to be positioned at an optimal distance from the handlebar - far enough to reduce interference but close enough to minimize the overall holder size. The rigid connection between the two holders maintains structural integrity while accommodating this optimized spatial arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4707144A1Straddled vehicle with eps
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4707144A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4707144A1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(B)
  • EP4707144A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A torque sensor support holder is configured to cooperate with an upper bracket to support a torque sensor such that: a torque sensor is positioned forward or rearward of handlebar; an input shaft of the torque sensor extends in the up-down direction of a straddled vehicle; the axis line of the input shaft is closer in distance to the axis line of a steering shaft than the axis line of one of a pair of left and right legs of a front fork; and between the torque sensor support holder and the upper bracket, the input shaft is twisted. A handlebar support holder is configured such that it is rigidly fixed to the torque sensor support holder , and is being configured such that its positional setting is changeable such that the axis line of the handlebar is located between the axis line of the input shaft of the torque sensor positioned forward or rearward of the axis line of the steering shaft and the axis line of the input shaft at a position where it would be located if the torque sensor were assumingly positioned rearward or forward of the axis line of the steering shaft.