Motorcycle Brake Control Using Seat Load Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

In motorcycles, the high ratio of occupant weight to vehicle body weight complicates automatic brake operations, making it difficult to ensure safety and comfort, as existing systems do not adequately consider the impact of occupant weight on vehicle behavior.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle body behavior control system that includes a controller capable of initiating and adjusting automatic brake operations based on trigger information from the peripheral environment and seat load information, using a hydraulic pressure control unit to manage braking forces across wheels, and incorporating sensors to detect external forces and vehicle posture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automatic brake operation is executed without considering occupant weight, then the braking system can be simplified and response time improved, but occupant safety and comfort deteriorate due to the high occupant weight to vehicle body weight ratio in motorcycles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoccupant safetyVSAvoidbrake control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller receives seat load information from sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust brake operation parameters. The system continuously monitors occupant weight and modifies braking force and timing accordingly, ensuring safety while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The brake control system transitions from a static, fixed braking strategy to a dynamic one that adapts in real-time based on detected seat load. The controller adjusts braking parameters dynamically according to the actual occupant weight, optimizing both safety and system responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If brake operation is adjusted according to seat load information, then occupant safety and comfort are improved, but the control system complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake operation adaptabilityVSAvoidcontroller complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes operational parameters (braking force, timing) based on detected seat load conditions. By adjusting these parameters according to actual occupant weight, the system achieves adaptability without requiring a completely complex control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The controller receives and processes seat load information in advance before executing brake operations. This preliminary detection and processing allows the system to prepare appropriate braking parameters, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making during emergency braking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the automatic brake operation uses fixed braking force, then the control system is simpler to implement, but it cannot ensure comfort and safety for different occupant weights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake operation safetyVSAvoidbrake control parameters
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The brake control system transitions from static fixed braking force to dynamic variable braking force that adapts to different occupant weights. The controller modifies braking parameters in real-time based on seat load detection, ensuring safety across various weight conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses seat load information as feedback to determine appropriate braking force levels. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to automatically adjust braking parameters according to actual occupant weight, eliminating the need for manual configuration while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3663143B1Controller and control method for a motorcycle
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3663143B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3663143B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3663143B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention obtains a controller capable of improving safety of a motorcycle. The controller that controls vehicle body behavior of the motorcycle includes: an acquisition section that acquires trigger information generated in accordance with peripheral environment of the motorcycle; and an execution section that initiates a control mode making the motorcycle execute an automatic brake operation in accordance with the trigger information acquired by the acquisition section and makes the motorcycle generate a braking force. The acquisition section further acquires seat load information that is information of a load received by a seat of the motorcycle, and the execution section changes the automatic brake operation, which is executed in the control mode, in accordance with the seat load information acquired by the acquisition section.