Handlebar Switch Timing Control for Intent-Based Auto Stop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handlebar switch devices for vehicles, such as motorcycles, often fail to allow operators to perform automatic stop control of device actuation according to their will, leading to unintended stoppages based on vehicle driving conditions.

Innovation Solution

A handlebar switch device with a first and second energizing means that detect specific operation states and a control means to actuate and stop device operation based on these states, ensuring the device is stopped after a predetermined time, allowing operators to control the actuation and stoppage of switches like turn signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automatic stop control is implemented based on vehicle driving conditions, then the device can stop automatically according to system logic, but the operator loses the ability to control the stop timing according to their will

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic stop controlVSAvoidoperator control ability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the stop control mode based on the operator's input. When the operation unit is operated briefly, the system executes automatic stop after a predetermined period. When operated for a longer duration, the system switches to a mode where the device continues operating until explicitly stopped by the operator, thus adapting to different operational intentions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control means changes the stop control parameter based on the operation duration. If the operation unit is operated for a time equal to or longer than a predetermined period, the automatic stop function is disabled and the device operates until manual stop. If operated for less than the predetermined period, automatic stop is enabled after the predetermined time elapses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of moving object

If the operation unit is operated for a long time, then the device continues to operate, but energy is consumed and the operation becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation durationVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic automatic stop based on a predetermined time period. When the operation unit is briefly operated, the device operates automatically for the predetermined period and then stops, avoiding continuous energy consumption. This periodic operation mode reduces energy waste while maintaining necessary functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If automatic stop is implemented after a predetermined period, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device may stop at unintended timing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidstop timing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control means monitors the operation duration of the operation unit and uses this feedback to determine the appropriate stop control mode. By detecting whether the operation time meets or exceeds the predetermined period, the system intelligently selects between automatic stop and continuous operation modes, ensuring stop timing aligns with operator intent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the operation duration before executing the stop control. By measuring whether the operation unit has been operated for a time equal to or longer than the predetermined period, the system prepares the appropriate control mode in advance, preventing unintended stoppages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4467434A1Handlebar switch device
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4467434A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4467434A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4467434A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A handlebar switch device of the preset invention includes: a first energizing means that enters a first energized state when an operation unit is operated in a first direction; a second energizing means that enters a second energized state when the operation unit is further operated in the first direction during the first energized state; and a control means that actuates a device corresponding to the operation unit in accordance with the first energized state and the second energized state detected thereby. The control means actuates the device upon detection of the first energized state, and stops the actuation of the device when a predetermined period of time elapses after the detection of the first energized state.