Control Moment Gyroscope Locking for Two-Wheeler Balance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for balancing two-wheeled vehicles using control moment gyroscopes are costly, complex, and unreliable, especially at high speeds, due to the need for multiple sensors and fail-safe mechanisms, which can lead to fatal accidents if sensor failures occur, and interfere with the rider's natural balancing abilities.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising at least one control moment gyroscope with a stopper device to lock the precession shaft at high velocities, reducing interference with the rider's maneuvers, and incorporating a user-operable switch for flexibility, along with sensors to measure vehicle attitude and velocity, allowing the system to be engaged or disengaged based on user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If control moment gyroscopes are used to balance the vehicle at all speeds, then the vehicle remains stable even at low speeds and rest, but the system becomes costly and complex requiring multiple sensors and fail-safe mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the gyroscope system adjustable and adaptable to different operating conditions. The gyroscope is engaged only when the vehicle speed is below a threshold value, and disengaged when the vehicle reaches higher speeds. This dynamic operation mode allows the system to provide stability when needed (low speeds) while avoiding unnecessary complexity and interference at higher speeds, effectively resolving the contradiction between maintaining stability and reducing system complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If control moment gyroscopes are used to balance the vehicle, then the vehicle remains stable, but the system interferes with the rider's natural balancing abilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on vehicle speed and rider input. The gyroscope is disengaged when the vehicle reaches a threshold speed or when the rider applies throttle, allowing the rider to maintain full control during active riding. This dynamic engagement/disengagement strategy ensures the gyroscope provides stability assistance only when the rider needs support (low speeds, stop-start situations) without interfering with the rider's natural balancing abilities during active operation.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors and fail-safe mechanisms are deployed for sensor failure handling, then the system becomes more reliable, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary complexity of multiple sensors and fail-safe mechanisms by relying on a single velocity sensor and simple threshold-based control logic. The system achieves adequate reliability through this simplified approach - using basic sensor data to determine when to engage or disengage the gyroscope based on pre-defined threshold values. This extraction of excessive complexity while maintaining core safety functionality resolves the contradiction between reliability and system complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the gyroscope is engaged at high speeds, then the vehicle remains stable, but the rider's maneuvers are interfered with and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls gyroscope engagement based on real-time velocity measurements. A velocity sensor continuously monitors the vehicle speed, and when the speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control system automatically disengages the gyroscope. This dynamic response prevents the harmful effect of gyroscope interference with rider maneuvers at high speeds, while maintaining stability assistance at lower speeds where it is beneficial. The threshold-based control strategy effectively eliminates the safety risk associated with high-speed gyroscope operation.
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
The system provides a cost-effective, user-friendly, and reliable balancing mechanism that minimizes the need for excessive equipment and sensors, reducing the risk of accidents by adapting to the user's actions and ensuring safe operation at various speeds.
Implementation Method 1
at least one control moment gyroscope, having at least one flywheel rotatable in a first direction around a flywheel shaft, said at least one flywheel coupled to a precession shaft and configured to generate a precession-torque along a roll axis of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and a device for balancing a vehicle is provided. In one embodiment the system comprises of a control moment gyroscope. In another embodiment two or more control moment gyroscope may be provided. Further, in an embodiment a mechanism to provide stopping of a precession shaft that links the control moment gyroscope to the vehicle is provided. Furthermore, a user operable switch may be provided in an embodiment to stop precession shaft of the control moment gyroscope.