Motorcycle Headlight Bank-Angle Control for Horizontal Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle headlight systems fail to maintain a horizontal illumination pattern when the motorcycle is banking, leading to reduced visibility for the driver during turns, especially at night.
Innovation Solution
An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is used to calculate the bank angle of the motorcycle by sampling yaw rate data and adjusting the illumination optics to maintain a horizontal distribution of light, ensuring improved visibility for the driver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the headlight is secured in a fixed position on the motorcycle frame, then the headlight structure is simple and cost-effective, but the illumination pattern tilts and banks during turns, reducing driver visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a fixed headlight to a steerable headlight that can dynamically adjust its illumination direction. The headlight assembly includes a steerable component that rotates the light beam horizontally based on turn detection, allowing the illumination pattern to adapt to the motorcycle's banking angle and maintain proper lighting on the road ahead during turns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a turn detection mechanism (such as a gyroscope or motion sensor) that continuously monitors the motorcycle's banking angle and feeds this information to the headlight control system. The system automatically adjusts the headlight orientation in response to detected turns, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal illumination without requiring manual intervention.
2Reliability
If a mechanical system with gyroscopes and velocity sensors is used to rotate the headlight opposite to the bank angle, then driver visibility during turns is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex mechanical rotation systems with a simpler steerable headlight mechanism. Instead of using multiple gyroscopes, velocity sensors, and mechanical rotation assemblies, the invention uses a more direct steerable headlight design with integrated turn detection, reducing mechanical complexity while achieving the same goal of maintaining horizontal illumination during turns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a headlight assembly that combines multiple functions into a single integrated system. The steerable headlight unit performs both illumination and directional adjustment functions, while the turn detection mechanism serves both steering control and headlight orientation purposes, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional LEDs are illuminated to provide light patterns at different locations, then horizontal illumination adjustment is achieved, but the system fails to address the banking effect and adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inversion principle by reversing the conventional approach: instead of using multiple LEDs to create different light patterns, the invention uses a single steerable headlight unit that physically rotates to adjust illumination direction. This inverts the problem-solving approach from modifying light distribution through multiple sources to adjusting the orientation of a single light source, thereby achieving adaptability with reduced complexity.
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 system effectively maintains a horizontal illumination pattern during banking, enhancing the driver's field of view and improving safety, especially during nighttime turns.
Implementation Method 1
An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is used to calculate the bank angle of the motorcycle by sampling yaw rate data
Implementation Method 2
adjusting the illumination optics to maintain a horizontal distribution of light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A bank angle (50) of a vehicle (52) can be accurately calculated using yaw axis data (62) and roll axis data (64), and based on the calculated bank angle, vehicle illumination optics can be controlled to maintain a pattern of distributed light from the illumination optics to be generally horizontal. The calculated bank angle may be zeroed when the yaw axis data equals zero. The improved pattern of distributed light from the illumination optics illuminates a more natural field of view for the vehicle driver during a bank. In some embodiments, the vehicle illumination optics can include a primary illumination group (192) and a plurality of side illumination groups (194).