Hydropneumatic Tilt Control for Upright Two-Wheel Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tilting wheel vehicles face instability and risk of lateral imbalance when the tilting system is locked, leading to potential collisions or overturning due to uneven road surfaces, requiring manual intervention by the driver to maintain balance.
Innovation Solution
A hydro-pneumatic system with a motorized pump and control unit, connected to the vehicle's suspension, intelligently controls the tilting angle and maintains verticality by transferring fluid between chambers using solenoid valves and sensors to adjust to speed and road conditions, ensuring stability and balance without driver intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the tilting system is locked to maintain stability at low speeds, then the vehicle can remain upright during temporary stops, but the vehicle becomes vulnerable to lateral imbalance when encountering road unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tilting control system that automatically adjusts between locked and unlocked states based on vehicle speed and road conditions. The control unit monitors speed sensor data and accelerator position to determine when to engage or disengage the tilting lock, allowing the system to adapt its stiffness characteristics in real-time rather than maintaining a fixed locked state
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through speed sensors and accelerator position sensors that continuously monitor vehicle operating conditions. This feedback loop enables the control unit to make real-time decisions about tilting lock engagement, ensuring the system responds appropriately to changing road conditions and vehicle dynamics
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tilting lock is engaged at low speeds to prevent falling sideways, then the vehicle maintains upright position, but the driver must manually intervene to release the lock, causing trajectory changes and potential collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting control system operates autonomously by automatically engaging and disengaging the tilting lock based on pre-programmed speed thresholds and sensor inputs. The system serves itself by making its own control decisions without requiring driver intervention, eliminating the need for manual button pressing or steering corrections during low-speed operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical intervention system (driver pressing buttons or adjusting steering) with an automated electronic control system. The control unit electronically manages the tilting lock engagement based on sensor data, substituting human mechanical actions with automated electronic decision-making and actuation
3Stability of the object's composition
If the tilting system remains locked when encountering road roughness, then the vehicle maintains its locked state, but this can cause lateral overturning of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by proactively disengaging the tilting lock before hazardous conditions can cause overturning. When sensors detect road unevenness or when the vehicle encounters bumps, the control unit automatically releases the tilting lock in advance, preventing the harmful effect of lateral overturning before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system provides beforehand cushioning by preparing the tilting system for potential hazards. The control unit monitors road conditions and vehicle dynamics continuously, and when potential overturning risks are detected, it preemptively adjusts the tilting lock state to cushion against the harmful effects of road roughness
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 automatically maintains vehicle verticality and adjusts tilting angles, enhancing stability and preventing skids, allowing safe operation at low speeds and during temporary stops without requiring the driver to place feet on the ground, thus improving driving comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an electric pump in fluid connection with said first connection means, wherein said system further comprises a control unit for the electric control of said electric pump, wherein the electric control of said electric pump as a function of said one or more parameters results in the transfer of said working fluid, by means of said electric pump, from said first chamber to said second chamber or from said second chamber to said first chamber according to said one or more parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling tilting of two wheels of a vehicle, mechanically anchored to the chassis by a first and a second oscillating anchor arm is provided. The system has a first cylinder and a second cylinder suitable for being interposed between the chassis and the first and second oscillating anchor arms respectively. The first and second cylinders have respectively a first chamber and a second chamber with variable volume and containing a working fluid. Transfer of working fluid from the first to the second chamber results in an increase in the volume of the second chamber. Transfer of working fluid from the second to the first chamber results in an increase in the volume of the first chamber. A pipe connects the first and second chambers so that working fluid is alternately transferable from the first to the second chamber and from the second to the first chamber.