Motorcycle Height Adjustment Using Suspension-Based Weight Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorcycle height adjustment devices struggle to precisely adjust vehicle posture due to difficulties in estimating weight when a rider is alone, with a passenger, or carrying a load, leading to inconsistencies in front and rear wheel heights, affecting stability and headlamp alignment.
Innovation Solution
A motorcycle height adjustment system that uses a weight estimation unit to control electromagnetic valves for the front and rear wheel suspension devices, based on detected movement and length variations, to maintain a desired vehicle height and posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If weight is estimated based on rear wheel-side suspension length change, then the control system can adjust front wheel-side suspension, but weight estimation becomes inaccurate when rider configuration changes (solo, passenger, or load)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a weight estimation unit as an intermediary component that uses rear wheel-side suspension length change as a mediator to infer weight. This intermediary approach allows the system to estimate weight indirectly through suspension deformation, enabling automatic control while adapting to different rider configurations by recalibrating the estimation algorithm.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring rear wheel-side suspension length change and using this information to adjust front wheel-side suspension accordingly. The weight estimation unit processes this feedback data to determine appropriate suspension adjustments, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing weight conditions.
2Ease of operation
If front wheel-side suspension is controlled based on estimated weight, then vehicle height can be adjusted, but front and rear wheel height difference becomes inconsistent leading to poor vehicle posture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical suspension linkage systems with an independent electronic control system. The weight estimation unit and suspension control unit work independently to calculate and execute suspension adjustments, eliminating the need for complex mechanical coupling between front and rear suspensions while achieving precise vehicle posture control.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is segmented into independent front and rear control units, each capable of independent adjustment. The weight estimation unit divides the weight calculation into front and rear distribution components, allowing separate control of front and rear suspension to achieve precise vehicle posture and height difference control.
3Device complexity
If vehicle height is not precisely adjusted, then the system remains simple, but riding stability and headlamp alignment are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system performs self-adjustment through the weight estimation unit that automatically calculates weight distribution and the suspension control unit that executes adjustments without rider intervention. This self-service capability maintains riding stability and headlamp alignment while keeping the control system relatively simple and intuitive for the rider.
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 enables precise adjustment of vehicle posture, ensuring stable riding and proper headlamp alignment by accurately accounting for changes in weight distribution, regardless of the rider's load or passenger presence.
Implementation Method 1
a rear wheel electromagnetic valve that adjusts the amount of the working oil flowing into the jack chamber by the degree of opening of the electromagnetic valve
Implementation Method 2
a rear wheel damper that undergoes an extensional and contractional operation so as to move working oil to dampen vibration of the spring
Implementation Method 3
a vehicle height adjustment apparatus with a rear wheel suspension spring that is disposed between a vehicle body and a tire wheel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A vehicle height adjustment device includes front forks, a rear suspension, a weight estimation unit, and a front wheel-side target movement amount determination unit. Each of the front forks includes a front wheel-side suspension spring and a front wheel-side support member. The front wheel-side support member supports one end of the front wheel-side suspension spring, and is configured to move toward another one end of the front wheel-side spring to change a length of the front wheel-side suspension spring. The rear suspension includes a rear wheel-side suspension spring and a rear wheel-side support member. The rear wheel-side support member supports one end of the rear wheel-side suspension spring, and is configured to move toward another one end of the rear wheel-side spring to change a length of the rear wheel-side suspension spring. The weight estimation unit is configured to estimate a weight applied to a vehicle based on a length of the rear suspension and a movement amount of the rear wheel-side support member. The front wheel-side target movement amount determination unit is configured to decrease, when the weight estimated by the weight estimation unit is equal to or larger than a predetermined weight, a movement amount of the front wheel-side support member as the estimated weight increases.