Motorcycle Handlebar Haptic Warnings That Avoid Common Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Saddle-type vehicles like motorcycles experience common vibrations that can confuse the driver, making it difficult to notice warnings from advanced rider assist systems such as collision mitigation brakes or lane departure warnings, leading to unintended driver behavior.
Innovation Solution
A saddle-type vehicle with a warning vibration generator that produces vibrations in a frequency band distinct from common vehicle vibrations, using a steering actuator to generate vibrations in the steering handle, and a control device to coordinate these warnings with driving support controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a general vibrator is used to issue warnings, then the warning system can be implemented, but the warning vibration is confused with common vehicle vibrations (engine vibration, wheel vibration) and the driver may not notice it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the warning vibration distinct from common vibrations through frequency differentiation. The control device generates warning vibrations at frequencies different from engine and wheel vibrations, allowing the driver to distinguish the warning signal from normal vehicle vibrations. This resolves the contradiction by making the warning reliable without causing confusion with common vibrations.
2Reliability
If a dedicated vibrator is mounted on the steering handle to generate warning vibrations, then the warning can be issued, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling the steering actuator to serve dual functions: providing steering assist torque during normal operation and generating warning vibrations when needed. The control device activates the steering actuator in a vibration generation mode to produce warning vibrations on the steering handle, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated vibrator and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable warning notification.
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 distinct frequency band ensures the warning vibrations are easily noticed by the driver, reducing confusion and enhancing the effectiveness of advanced rider assist systems without increasing component count.
Implementation Method 1
the warning vibration generator generates a vibration as the warning in a frequency band that avoids a vibration frequency common to the saddle-type vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
This saddle-type vehicle includes a warning vibration generator (205) that generates a predetermined vibration to issue a warning to a driver, the warning vibration generator (205) includes a warning selection unit (210) that selects a predetermined warning in accordance with a strength of driving assist control, and, in accordance with the warning selected by the warning selection unit (210), the warning vibration generator (205) generates a vibration (a haptic vibration) as a warning in a frequency band that avoids a vibration frequency common to a motorcycle.