Motorcycle Grip Heater Control via Momentary Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grip heater controlling apparatuses for vehicles, especially those with rotary potentiometers, are difficult to operate when covered by handle covers, requiring two fingers and complicating the adjustment of heat levels.
Innovation Solution
A grip heater controlling apparatus using a single momentary switch that cyclically changes the current to at least three levels based on the switch's operation, with an indicator using light-emitting elements to display the current level, allowing easy operation and visualization without covering the indicator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary potentiometer is used to adjust heater current, then the driver can adjust heat levels, but the operation becomes difficult when covered by handle covers and requires two fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous adjustment range of the potentiometer is segmented into discrete current levels (first level, second level, third level). This segmentation allows the use of simpler switch elements instead of a continuous rotary mechanism, making the control easier to operate with one finger while maintaining adequate heat adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rotary potentiometer is replaced with electrical switching elements (first switch element, second switch element, third switch element) controlled by a controller. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical rotation, allowing for simpler push-button or momentary switch operation that can be easily accessed even when handle covers are installed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If handle covers are installed to protect from wind, then hand protection is improved, but the potentiometer becomes covered and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is extracted from the mechanical potentiometer and relocated to electrically controllable switch elements. These switch elements can be positioned and designed to remain accessible through or alongside the handle covers, separating the protection function of the covers from the control accessibility requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the driver's input (switch element operation) and the heater response. This allows the physical control interface to be simplified and repositioned for better accessibility while the controller manages the complex current regulation, enabling the handle covers to protect the original potentiometer location without blocking control access.
3Productivity
If the heater starts immediately when power is supplied, then heating is provided, but it may start against the driver's will
Solution Approach 1:
The system is configured to require a deliberate initial action by the driver (operating the first switch element) to activate heating, rather than starting automatically. This preliminary action ensures the driver's intent is confirmed before the heater begins operation, preventing unwanted heating while still enabling quick startup once activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors the state of switch elements and provides feedback control of the heater current. By requiring the driver to actively engage the first switch element to transition from idle to heating mode, the system provides implicit feedback that confirms the driver's intention, ensuring control while maintaining ready-to-heat capability.
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
Enables simple and intuitive control of grip heater current levels, ensuring the handle grips can be quickly heated and adjusted with minimal complexity, even when covered, and provides visual feedback on current and power status.
Implementation Method 1
handle grips incorporating nichrome-wire or copper-foil heaters
Implementation Method 2
an indicator using light-emitting elements to display the current level
Data Source
AI summary
A grip heater controlling apparatus controls an amount of current supplied from a power supply to a grip heater mounted on a handle grip on the steering handle of a motorcycle. The grip heater controlling apparatus has a single momentary switch operable by the driver of the motorcycle, and an amount-of-current controller for changing the amount of current cyclically to at least three levels, including 0, depending on the number of times that the momentary switch is operated.