Inductive Side Stand Detection for Motorcycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side-stand sensors for two-wheel vehicles, relying on magnetic sensors, are prone to wear and tear, leading to potential loss of control or injury when the side stand is not properly stowed during travel, and require costly replacement of entire sensor assemblies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of inductive sensors that detect the metallic side stand itself, eliminating the need for additional targets and reducing wear by not mounting components on moving parts, with the sensors capable of detecting the presence or absence of the side stand or measuring strain in a spring to determine its position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic sensors (Reed switches or Hall elements) are used to detect side stand position, then the sensor can detect the position of the side stand, but the sensor components mounted on the moving side stand are sensitive to wear and tear, leading to potential loss of control or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic sensors (Reed switches or Hall elements) with inductive sensors to detect the side stand position. Inductive sensors detect changes in inductance caused by the proximity of the metallic side stand, eliminating the need for magnetic targets mounted on the moving side stand. This substitution removes the wear-prone magnetic components from the moving part, thereby improving reliability while reducing wear and tear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the magnetic target (rare earth magnets and magnet holders) from the side stand assembly, leaving only the inductive sensor mounted on the stationary frame. By removing the magnetic components from the moving side stand, the system eliminates the wear and tear issues associated with mounted parts on moving components, while still enabling position detection through inductance changes.
2Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors with targets are used, then side stand position can be detected, but the entire sensor assembly must be replaced when magnets are lost, increasing cost and vehicle down time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor system into two independent parts: the inductive sensor mounted on the stationary frame and the metallic side stand that serves as the target. This segmentation allows the sensor to remain fixed and maintenance-free, while only the durable metallic side stand moves. When detection issues occur, the problem can be isolated to either the sensor or the side stand, enabling targeted repairs rather than replacing the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic side stand itself serves as the detection target through its inherent metallic properties that affect inductance. The side stand does not require additional magnetic targets or sensors attached to it - it simply needs to be made of conductive material. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate target components that could fail, reducing repair costs and downtime.
3Ease of operation
If additional magnetic targets are mounted on the side stand, then the sensor can detect position, but the device complexity increases and components on moving parts are prone to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the presence, position, and even the state (up or down) of the side stand using a single component mounted on the frame. The metallic side stand itself serves dual purposes as both the functional side support and the detection target, eliminating the need for separate magnetic targets and reducing overall device complexity.
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
This solution provides a reliable, contactless, and cost-effective side-stand detection system that enhances safety by preventing vehicle loss of control and reduces maintenance costs by eliminating the need for frequent sensor assembly replacements.
Implementation Method 1
Disclosed embodiments use inductive sensors to determine whether the side stand is properly stowed. Inductive sensors detect metal objects, so that the side stand itself can serve as the target.
Implementation Method 2
detecting the strain in a spring attached to the side stand and translating that strain into a determined position
Data Source
AI summary
A two-wheel vehicle includes a frame and a metallic side stand, rotatable within a bracket attached to the frame. The metallic side stand is rotatable between a first position that supports the two-wheel vehicle when parked and a second position substantially adjacent the frame. The two-wheel vehicle also includes an inductive sensor attached to the two-wheel vehicle and connected to detect at least one position of the metallic side stand and a circuit connected to receive an output from the inductive sensor and to provide a signal that reflects the position of the side stand.