Motorcycle Grip Vibration Sensing for Accurate Grasp Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for determining the grip grasping state on a two-wheeled motor vehicle are prone to errors due to variations in driver grip habits and engine vibrations, and adding multiple pressure sensors increases costs.

Innovation Solution

A system using grip and joint sensors to detect vibrations, processing units to analyze these vibrations against stored patterns, and control systems to adjust steering and braking based on grip grasping states, reducing reliance on sensor placement accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple pressure sensors are arranged on the grip to improve detection accuracy, then the reliability of grasping state determination is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrasping state determination accuracyVSAvoidnumber of pressure sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensor system with a vibration-based detection system using acceleration sensors. Instead of measuring pressure directly at the grip contact point, the system detects vibrations generated by the driver's hand when grasping the grip, and analyzes these vibrations to determine grasping state. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple pressure sensors while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces vibration analysis as an intermediary method to indirectly determine grasping state. Rather than directly measuring pressure at the grip, the system uses acceleration sensors to detect vibrations that occur when the driver grasps the handlebar, and these vibrations serve as an intermediary indicator of the grasping state. This intermediary approach allows accurate detection without requiring direct pressure measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If pressure sensors are used to detect grip grasping state, then the determination can be made based on pressure values, but the measurement precision decreases due to variations in driver grip habits and engine vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetermination method simplicityVSAvoidgrasping state detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes mechanical vibrations generated by the driver's hand when grasping the handlebar as the basis for determination. The acceleration sensors detect these specific vibrations, and the determination section analyzes the vibration patterns to identify grasping states. This vibration-based approach provides more precise measurement compared to pressure sensors because the vibrations are directly caused by the grasping action itself, making them less susceptible to variations in grip habits and engine vibrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Measurement precision

If pressure sensors are arranged on the grip, then the grasping state can be detected, but the sensor arrangement position becomes critical and affects determination accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor arrangement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the detection system universal by placing acceleration sensors on the handlebar structure rather than requiring precise placement on the grip itself. The vibration-based detection method works effectively regardless of the exact sensor position on the handlebar, as long as it can detect the vibrations transmitted through the handlebar. This universality simplifies manufacturing and installation, eliminating the need for precise sensor arrangement while maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Accurately determines grip grasping states, minimizing errors and reducing costs by using vibration patterns instead of precise sensor positioning, and stabilizing vehicle control during emergency maneuvers.

Implementation Method 1

a grip sensor that is attached to a driving operation handlebar for a two-wheeled motor vehicle and detects vibration of a grip grasped by a driver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a joint sensor that detects vibration of a connection section between the handlebar for the driver and a steering column supporting the handlebar for the driver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4201761B1Grip grasping state determination device, determination method, and system including determination device

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

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AI summary

A grip grasping state by a driver of a two-wheeled motor vehicle is accurately determined. A grip grasping state determination device according to the present invention has: a grip sensor that is attached to a driving operation handlebar for the two-wheeled motor vehicle and detects vibration of a grip grasped by the driver of the two-wheeled motor vehicle; a storage section that stores a vibration pattern according to a grip grasping state by the driver; and a determination section that determines the grip grasping state by the driver on the basis of the vibration detected by the grip sensor and the vibration pattern.