Handlebar Control System with Mode Switching for Vehicle Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face space constraints at handlebars, limiting the number of controls that can be accessed while maintaining control, making it inconvenient or unsafe to operate accessories like winches without releasing the handlebars.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a manually actuable primary selector and override selector allows the same controls to be used for both powertrain and accessory operations, enabling multi-use functionality without requiring the operator to release their grip on the handlebars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple controls are provided at or adjacent the grasping portions of the handlebars, then the operator can access more controls while maintaining grip, but space constraints limit the number of controls that can be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the same control buttons to serve dual purposes: controlling powertrain functions (gear shifting) and accessory functions (winch operation). An override selector switch allows the operator to toggle between these two functional modes, so that a single set of buttons can control different systems depending on the selected mode, thereby maximizing the use of limited handlebar space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If accessory controls are disposed at locations away from the grasping portions, then more controls can be provided, but the operator must release the handlebars to operate them, compromising safety and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing control buttons that can perform multiple functions. In normal mode, the buttons control powertrain operations. When the override selector is switched to accessory mode, the same buttons control accessory functions such as the winch. This allows the operator to access and control multiple vehicle functions without releasing the handlebars, maintaining both versatility and safety.
3Ease of operation
If separate controls are provided for powertrain and accessory functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the number of controls increases beyond what can be accommodated at the handlebars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by making the control buttons universal. The same physical buttons are used for both powertrain and accessory control, depending on the position of the override selector. This eliminates the need for separate button sets for each function, reducing the total number of controls while maintaining independent control capability through the selector switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics through the override selector switch, which dynamically changes the function of the control buttons based on its position. The buttons are not statically assigned to a single function but can be reconfigured in real-time to control different systems, allowing the control system to adapt its behavior based on the operator's needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a control system for use with a vehicle having handlebars that are configured to enable vehicle steering. The handlebars define a pair of grasping portions that are disposed to facilitate grasping by a vehicle operator's hands. The vehicle also includes a powertrain and an accessory. The control system includes a manually actuable primary selector disposed adjacent one of the grasping portions to enable manual actuation while one of the vehicle operator's hands grasps the one grasping portion. The primary selector is configured to operate in a powertrain mode to control an aspect of the powertrain, and to operate in a separate accessory mode to control an aspect of the accessory. A manually actuable override selector is disposed adjacent the one grasping portion. The override selector is configured to be manually actuable to switch the primary selector between the powertrain mode and the accessory mode.