Motorcycle Clutch Control Device for Customizable Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Straddle-type vehicles, such as motorcycles, face challenges in achieving both easy clutch operation and secure freedom of drive, as existing systems either compromise on ease of operation or freedom when switching between manual and automatic modes, and lack the ability to customize clutch characteristics for sensitive operations.
Innovation Solution
A control device that connects and disconnects the clutch based on the operation of a manually operated clutch lever, using an electric clutch actuator and a shift actuator, allowing for customizable clutch characteristics and smooth gear changes, enabling both easy operation and secure freedom of drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an actuator is used to assist clutch operation, then the manipulating force of the clutch is reduced, but the actuator can only generate assist force and cannot change the characteristic of the clutch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clutch system adjustable and adaptable through electronic control. The ECU dynamically modifies clutch behavior based on detected lever position and stored characteristics, allowing the clutch system to change its operational characteristics electronically rather than being fixed mechanically. This resolves the contradiction by enabling both force reduction through actuation and characteristic variation through software control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by storing multiple clutch characteristics in the ECU and selectively applying different characteristic profiles based on riding conditions or driver preference. The system changes parameters such as engagement point, engagement speed, and disengagement characteristics through electronic control, allowing the same physical clutch mechanism to exhibit different behavioral characteristics without mechanical modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual mode is selected for freedom of drive, then manipulating performance is improved, but the operation becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical clutch operation system with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect lever position and an ECU to process this information. This substitution allows the system to provide automated assistance while preserving the driver's manual control input, reducing physical effort while maintaining the freedom of manual operation selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU acts as an intermediary between the driver's manual lever operation and the clutch actuator. It receives input from the lever position sensor and translates this into appropriate actuator commands, providing intelligent mediation that can assist the driver's manual operations while preserving the intended riding style and control freedom.
3Ease of operation
If automatic mode is selected for easy operation, then operation simplicity is improved, but freedom of drive is thoroughly lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically adjusting clutch behavior based on detected lever position and stored characteristics without requiring explicit driver commands for each adjustment. The ECU autonomously manages clutch engagement and disengagement parameters, providing automated assistance that simplifies operation while the driver retains overall control through lever manipulation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic gear change control device (50) of a motorcycle includes: a transmission (43) capable of freely changing gears in plural stages; a clutch (44) connected and disconnected in changing gears in the transmission (43); a clutch actuator (60) for driving the clutch (44); a clutch operation unit (200) having a clutch lever, the clutch lever being a manually operated clutch operation member; and an ECU (95) for controlling the clutch actuator (60) on the basis of an operation of the clutch lever by a driver.