Motorcycle Brake-by-Wire Control for Dynamic Brake Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integral braking systems for motorcycles lack stability, comfort, and safety due to fixed braking force distribution and limited interaction between hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems, particularly in conditions requiring dynamic force adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that interprets user braking requests through manual actuation commands and independently activates electro-hydraulic or electromechanical actuators to distribute braking forces based on motorcycle mass, speed, weight distribution, and bend angle, decoupling direct driver input from actual braking force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a preset fixed braking force distribution is applied in integral hydraulic braking systems, then the system structure is simple, but the safety and driving comfort are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed braking force distribution to dynamic distribution that automatically adjusts based on real-time wheel speed monitoring. The control unit modulates braking pressure on front and rear wheels dynamically during braking events, ensuring optimal force distribution varying with vehicle deceleration state, thereby improving safety without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through wheel speed sensors that continuously monitor wheel rotation and provide data to the control unit. This feedback loop enables the system to detect wheel lock-up conditions and adjust braking pressure accordingly, maintaining safety and driving comfort through real-time information about vehicle state
2Stability of the object's composition
If ABS actively modulates pressure to free locking wheels, then wheel stability is maintained, but the system complexity increases with additional modulators and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ABS pressure modulation function with the existing integral braking system by using the same control unit to manage both the fixed distribution logic and the active pressure modulation. This integration approach maintains vehicle stability through ABS functionality while avoiding the need for separate, additional modulator systems, thus controlling overall system complexity
3Reliability
If electro-hydraulic systems distribute braking force electrically, then braking distance is shortened and safety increases, but the interaction between hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the control unit to perform multiple functions: it manages the integral braking force distribution, monitors wheel speeds for ABS functionality, and actively modulates pressure across different braking scenarios. This multi-functional approach enables versatile interaction between hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems, adapting to various driving conditions while maintaining safety
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
Enhances stability and comfort by optimizing braking force distribution dynamically, maximizing vehicle deceleration and grip, and ensuring efficient control under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first electro-hydraulic or electromechanical actuator, operatively connected to said first brake
Implementation Method 2
at least one first electro-hydraulic or electromechanical actuator, operatively connected to said first brake
Implementation Method 3
at least one first brake associated with a front wheel of said motorcycle
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A braking system (4) for a motorcycle (8) comprising at least a first brake (12) associated with a front wheel of said motorcycle (8), at least a first electro-hydraulic or electro-mechanical actuator (16), operatively connected to said first brake (12), at least a first manual actuation command (20), associated with and corresponding to said at least one first brake (12), to send a braking request from a user, at least a second brake (24) associated with a rear wheel of said motorcycle (8), at least a second electro-hydraulic or electro-mechanical actuator (28), operatively connected to said second brake (24), at least a second manual actuation command (32), associated with and corresponding to said at least one second brake (24), to send a brake request from a user, a control unit (36) operatively connected to the first manual actuation command (20), to the second manual actuation command (32) and to said first and second electro-hydraulic or electro-mechanical actuators (16, 28). The control unit (36) is programmed to: receive a braking request from the user following actuation of at least one of said manual actuation commands (20,32), interpret the braking request as a function of which or how many actuation commands have actually been actuated, and/or the intensity of such actuation given by a stroke and/or actuation force or pressure of the corresponding manual actuation command (20,32), activate at least one of said electro-hydraulic or electro-mechanical actuators (16,28), irrespective of the effective actuation of the corresponding manual actuation command (20,32), so as to obtain a deceleration of the motorcycle (8) as a function of said braking request.