Lean Angle Determination via Axle Load for Motorcycle Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the lean angle of a two-wheeler, such as motorcycles, are not sufficiently accurate or simple, which hinders effective compensation of steering disturbance torques during braking, impacting driving safety.
Innovation Solution
The method calculates the lean angle based on the axle load of at least one wheel, using sensors to determine the axle load and incorporating additional factors like tire width, speed, and curve radius, allowing for precise determination and automatic adjustment of brake pressure to enhance driving stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lean angle sensor is used to measure the lean angle directly, then the accuracy of lean angle measurement is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical lean angle sensor with a calculation-based approach using acceleration sensors. The lean angle is derived from the relationship between lateral acceleration (ay) and vertical acceleration (az) according to the formula tan(α) = ay/az, eliminating the need for dedicated lean angle sensing hardware while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acceleration sensors as intermediary devices that measure dynamic parameters (accelerations) which can then be processed to derive the lean angle. This intermediary approach allows indirect measurement of lean angle through readily available sensor data from the vehicle's dynamic response.
2Device complexity
If existing methods calculate lean angle based on lateral and vertical acceleration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring acceleration data and dynamically calculating the lean angle in real-time. The system uses the relationship tan(α) = ay/az with continuous feedback from acceleration sensors to maintain accurate lean angle measurement throughout vehicle operation, adapting to changing driving conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from direct physical measurement to mathematical parameter transformation. By utilizing the trigonometric relationship between acceleration components (tan(α) = ay/az), the system transforms readily measurable acceleration parameters into accurate lean angle information through parameter transformation rather than direct sensing.
3Reliability
If brake pressure is adjusted to compensate for steering disturbance torques during cornering braking, then driving safety is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic brake pressure adjustment based on real-time lean angle calculation. The brake control system dynamically modulates brake pressure on the front and/or rear wheel as a function of the calculated lean angle, allowing adaptive compensation for steering disturbance torques without requiring a complex pre-programmed control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes brake control parameters (brake pressure) based on the calculated lean angle parameter. By using the lean angle as a control parameter to modulate brake pressure, the system achieves safety improvements through parameter-based control rather than complex mechanical or electronic control mechanisms.
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 approach provides accurate lean angle measurement, enabling improved driving safety by reducing steering disturbances, detecting wheel slipping, and implementing load-dependent control strategies, including brake and traction control, and passive safety systems.
Implementation Method 1
The axle load is a force that acts as a result of centrifugal force and weight in the wheel plane
Implementation Method 2
The axle load is a force that acts as a result of centrifugal force and weight in the wheel plane and is inclined by the lean angle relative to the vertical axis, which is directed parallel to the weight force vector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining the angle of inclination of a two-wheeled vehicle, wherein the axle load is determined at at least one wheel and the angle of inclination is calculated as a function of the axle load.