Front Wheel Inertia Adjustment for Motorcycle Pendular Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-track motor vehicles, such as motorcycles, experience uncontrolled operating behavior due to rapid buildup of pendular motion at high speeds, which riders cannot counteract effectively, as existing methods fail to adequately dampen this oscillation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves detecting pendular motion using transverse acceleration and yaw rate sensors, increasing the moment of inertia of the front wheel by moving weights radially outward or attaching non-rotating disks, which are then returned to their original position once the motion is stabilized, using mechanical or electrical means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brake pressure regulation or drive torque regulation is used to counteract pendular motion, then some damping effect is achieved, but the response time is too slow and the damping effect is insufficient at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the moment of inertia of the front wheel dynamically adjustable. Weights are moved radially outward along the wheel spokes in response to detected pendular motion, temporarily increasing the moment of inertia to enhance damping effectiveness. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing operating conditions and provide immediate damping action when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the moment of inertia parameter of the front wheel during pendular motion events. By changing the radial position of weights attached to the wheel, the moment of inertia is increased temporarily to suppress oscillations, then restored to original values when damping is achieved, providing rapid and effective control.
2Reliability
If weights are moved radially outward to increase moment of inertia for damping, then pendular motion is effectively damped, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by utilizing the pendular motion itself to trigger the damping mechanism. When oscillations are detected, the system automatically moves the weights outward to increase moment of inertia and dampen the motion. The system serves itself by using its own operational state (detected oscillations) to activate the corrective action without requiring external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the vehicle's oscillatory state through sensors and using this information to control the weight positioning. The detection unit monitors for pendular motion, and based on this feedback, the weights are adjusted to provide appropriate damping. Once damping is achieved, feedback signals trigger the return of weights to their original positions, creating a closed-loop control system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the moment of inertia of the front wheel is increased to dampen oscillations, then vehicle stability is improved, but the overall mass of the steering system would increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a variable moment of inertia system rather than a fixed mass increase. The weights are positioned radially outward only during pendular motion events, temporarily increasing the moment of inertia when stability is needed. During normal operation, the weights remain in their original positions, maintaining the original steering system mass characteristics and handling properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by activating the moment of inertia increase only during specific periods when pendular motion is detected. The weights are moved outward during oscillation events and returned to their original positions afterward, creating a periodic pattern of mass distribution adjustment that provides stability only when needed rather than continuously increasing the system mass.
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 approach effectively damps the lateral pendular motion, stabilizing the vehicle and allowing riders to maintain control, even at high speeds, without altering the overall mass of the steering system.
Implementation Method 1
the presence of a lateral pendular motion is detected with the aid of the output signals of a transverse acceleration sensor and/or of a yaw rate sensor
Implementation Method 2
the moment of inertia of the front wheel is increased by moving at least one weight attached to the front wheel in the radial direction pointing towards the outside of the wheel
Implementation Method 3
the moment of inertia of the front wheel is increased as a function of the presence of a pendular motion. In this manner, the pendular motion is damped effectively
Implementation Method 4
the weight is brought back to the original position by a screw or a cable line
Data Source
AI summary
A method for damping a lateral pendular motion of a single-track motor vehicle having a front wheel, where—the presence of a pendular motion is ascertained, and—the moment of inertia of the front wheel is increased as a function of it.