Motorcycle Balance Control via Adjustable Catenary Tension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motorcycle balance control systems are ineffective in varying load conditions, relying on complex mechanical configurations or expensive electronic dampers, which fail to maintain balance under changing load conditions without altering the suspension structure.

Innovation Solution

A motorcycle with a quadrilateral kinematic mechanism that adjusts the catenary tension angle by varying the position of connection axes, using mechanical joints and actuators to control the center of instantaneous rotation, allowing for adaptive balance adjustments based on suspension compression and load transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex mechanical configurations (Bilever, Tracklever, A.T.K. systems) are used to control balance, then balance control is achieved for predetermined conditions, but device complexity increases and the system only operates for specific predetermined values

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebalance controlVSAvoidmechanical configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the swingarm's extension direction adjustable relative to the load transfer direction. Instead of fixing the swingarm at a predetermined angle, the system allows dynamic adjustment of the catenary tension angle through movable connection elements, enabling the balance control system to adapt to varying load conditions rather than being limited to predetermined values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the catenary tension angle as a variable parameter. The connection between the swingarm and chain is made adjustable, allowing the angle between the swingarm extension direction and the chain tension direction to be changed based on load conditions, thus maintaining optimal balance control across different operating scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If electronically-controlled dampers are used to control balance, then balance control under varying load conditions is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebalance control under varying loadsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electronic control system with a mechanical adjustment mechanism. Instead of using electronically-controlled dampers that require sensors, controllers, and power sources, the invention uses a purely mechanical system with adjustable connection elements that modify the catenary tension angle through mechanical means, thereby achieving balance control while eliminating electronic components and associated costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by designing a mechanical system that automatically adjusts the catenary tension angle based on suspension compression and load transfer conditions. The adjustment mechanism responds passively to mechanical inputs from the suspension system, eliminating the need for external electronic control, power supply, or complex sensing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If the swingarm is fixed parallel to predetermined load transfer direction, then balance is maintained for that specific condition, but adaptability to varying load conditions is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebalance stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to varying loads
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed swingarm configuration into an adjustable one. The connection between the swingarm and the chain is made movable, allowing the swingarm's extension direction to be dynamically adjusted relative to the load transfer direction, thus maintaining balance stability across varying load conditions rather than being fixed for a single predetermined condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing the swingarm connection system to serve multiple functions: it maintains the primary suspension function while simultaneously providing adjustable balance control for various load conditions. The adjustable connection element allows the same mechanical structure to adapt to different operating scenarios, making the system universally applicable across diverse riding conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3902741B1Motorcycle with chain drive and adjustable balance
Publication Date: 2023.11.08 PIAGGIO & C SPA
  • EP3902741B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3902741B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3902741B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a motorcycle (1) with control of the balance by adjusting the catenary tension angle. The motorcycle according to the invention comprises a frame (12) which supports a motor and a rear wheel (13) connected to the frame by means of a swingarm (14), wherein the swingarm is hinged to the frame by means of a first connection axis (31). The motorcycle also comprises a chain drive to transfer the torque generated by the motor to the rear wheel; said drive comprising a pinion hinged to the frame (12) by means of a second connection axis (32). The motorcycle according to the invention comprises adjustment means (180) to adjust the position of at least one of said connection axes with respect to the other of said connection axes.