Handlebar Switch Tactile Staging for Glove-Friendly Rider Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional straddled vehicle handlebar switches are inconvenient for riders as they require visual attention and often lead to incorrect manipulations due to limited space and lack of distinct feedback for different functions.
Innovation Solution
A handlebar switch design that allows riders to perform first-stage and second-stage manipulations with distinct sensations by varying the manipulation load, enabling easier recognition and reducing the chance of incorrect actions, even when wearing gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple functions are assigned to a single handlebar switch to save space, then the quantity of switches is reduced, but it becomes difficult for the rider to recognize different manipulation stages without visual attention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements tactile feedback by designing the handlebar switch to provide distinct manipulation sensations at different stages. The switch structure includes a first manipulation portion and a second manipulation portion that generate different tactile feelings when manipulated, allowing the rider to recognize the manipulation stage through touch alone without visual attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different tactile characteristics at different portions of the same handlebar switch. The first manipulation portion and second manipulation portion have different structural properties that generate distinct tactile sensations, enabling functional differentiation within a single switch component.
2Device complexity
If the manipulation load is kept constant for simplicity, then the switch structure is simpler, but the rider cannot distinguish between different manipulation stages when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manipulation load parameter across different manipulation stages. The handlebar switch is designed so that the manipulation load varies between the first manipulation stage and the second manipulation stage, providing distinct tactile feedback that helps the rider recognize the current manipulation stage even when wearing gloves.
3Reliability
If the handlebar switch requires visual attention for accurate manipulation, then manipulation errors are reduced, but the rider cannot operate the switch safely while driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides immediate tactile feedback through distinct manipulation sensations at different stages of the handlebar switch. This feedback mechanism allows the rider to confirm the manipulation stage through touch alone, eliminating the need for visual attention and enabling safe operation while driving.
4Device complexity
If a single manipulation stage is used for all functions, then the switch structure is simpler, but multiple functions cannot be assigned to a single switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the manipulation process into multiple distinct stages within a single handlebar switch. The first manipulation portion and second manipulation portion create separate manipulation stages, each capable of triggering different functions, thereby enabling functional multiplicity while maintaining a unified switch structure.
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(d)
Figure 2(a-1)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A straddled vehicle 1 includes a handlebar switch 20 configured to allow a rider to manipulate the handlebar switch 20 using a finger of a hand while holding a grip 7. In the handlebar switch 20, the rate of increase in manipulation load changes in an increasing direction both when a first manipulation amount M1 is exceeded and when a second manipulation amount M2 is exceeded. The rate of increase in the manipulation load changing in an increasing direction results in the rider perceiving a manipulation sensation both when a first-stage manipulation is performed and when a second-stage manipulation is perform ed.