Motorcycle Gear Shift Sensing for Clutchless Predictable Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gear-changing systems for motorcycles with shifting assistance systems often require riders to adapt to changed gear-changing behaviors due to the presence of springs in the force transmission path, leading to spongy and unpredictable gear changes, and are prone to faults and fatigue issues.
Innovation Solution
A gear-changing apparatus that uses Hall effect sensors to detect the rotational actuation of a selector shaft and gear-selector drum, eliminating the need for springs in the force transmission path and allowing gear changes without clutch actuation by monitoring the rotary angle and position for torque control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If springs are used in the force transmission path for shifting assistance, then gear changing can be performed without clutch actuation, but the gear-changing behavior becomes spongy and unpredictable requiring rider adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring element from the force transmission path between the gear-change lever and selector shaft. Instead of using a spring-loaded mechanism, the invention employs a direct mechanical linkage with magnetic sensors (Hall effect sensors) to detect lever position and trigger electronic control of the gearbox, eliminating the unpredictable spongy behavior while maintaining the ability to change gears without clutch actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based force transmission system with an electronic detection and control system. Magnetic sensors detect the position of the gear-change lever, and an electronic control unit actuates the gearbox, substituting the unreliable spring mechanism with a precise electronic system that provides predictable and reliable gear-changing behavior.
2Ease of operation
If springs are used in the force transmission path, then gear changing without clutch is enabled, but the system becomes prone to faults and fatigue issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the spring component from the shifting assistance system, eliminating the source of fatigue and mechanical faults. The gear-change lever is directly coupled to the selector shaft through a rigid linkage, and the assistance function is achieved through electronic control rather than spring-loaded mechanical assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the spring-based mechanical assistance system with an electronic detection and control system using magnetic sensors and an electronic control unit. This replacement eliminates mechanical fatigue and spring-related faults while maintaining the core functionality of enabling gear changes without clutch actuation.
3Measurement precision
If force-measuring devices and complex wiring are used for spring-based shifting assistance, then gear change detection is achieved, but the motorcycle design is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex force-measuring devices and wiring with magnetic sensors (Hall effect sensors) that detect the position of the gear-change lever through magnetic field changes. This substitution significantly simplifies the wiring requirements and overall system complexity while maintaining precise gear change detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes magnetic field changes (analogous to field property changes) detected by Hall effect sensors to determine gear change intent. Instead of measuring mechanical force with complex devices, the system detects changes in magnetic field position, providing a simpler and more elegant detection mechanism.
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
The solution provides a smooth and predictable gear-changing experience, reducing the need for riders to adapt to new behaviors and eliminating the risk of spring-related faults, while ensuring the system operates wear-free and simplifies the motorcycle design by removing the requirement for force-measuring devices and complex wiring.
Implementation Method 1
A gear-changing apparatus that uses Hall effect sensors to detect the rotational actuation of a selector shaft and gear-selector drum
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system for actuating a manual gearbox, particularly of a motorcycle having a drive engine, and for carrying out a gear change while the clutch is engaged between the drive engine and the manual gearbox. The apparatus has a selector shaft, which can be actuated rotationally, and a gear-selector drum, which can be actuated rotationally. The gear-changing apparatus has a gear-change lever provided for actuating the selector shaft, and is adapted for influencing the output torque of the drive engine. One or more magnetic sensor(s), such as Hall effect sensors, are provided for sensing rotational actuation of the selector shaft and, optionally, for sensing rotational actuation of the gear selector drum. The sensor(s) send a signal to a controller and mechanisms known for affecting a change in gear to a lower or higher gear.