Motorcycle Lane-Change Control Using Rear Vehicle Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Riders of straddle-type vehicles face challenges in checking traffic conditions behind their vehicles, leading to safety concerns due to the smaller size and design of these vehicles compared to four-wheeled automobiles.
Innovation Solution
A controller and control method that acquires positional relationship information between the straddle-type vehicle and a rear vehicle, executing lane change notification operations to assist the rider based on this information, using display, vibration, or sound to instruct lane changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the straddle-type vehicle uses a smaller size design, then maneuverability and portability are improved, but safety and visibility to other vehicles deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary system that processes sensor data about rear vehicles and communicates lane change instructions to the rider. This mediator enables the small vehicle to have advanced safety capabilities without increasing its physical size, resolving the contradiction between compact design and safety performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical safety measures (such as larger vehicle size for better visibility) with electronic and informational systems (sensors, controllers, and notification systems). This substitution allows the vehicle to maintain its small size while achieving enhanced safety through electronic assistance
2Reliability
If the rider checks traffic conditions manually, then system complexity is reduced, but safety and awareness of rear traffic deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting rear vehicles using sensors and generating lane change instructions without requiring manual intervention from the rider. The controller autonomously processes information and provides assistance, improving safety while keeping the interface simple for the rider
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously monitor the environment, the controller processes this information, and the system provides notifications to the rider. This automated feedback mechanism enhances safety by providing continuous awareness of rear traffic conditions without requiring constant manual checking by the rider
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention obtains a controller and a control method capable of improving safety of a straddle-type vehicle. In a controller (20) and a control method according to the invention, an acquisition section of the controller (20) acquires positional relationship information between a straddle-type vehicle (1) and a rear vehicle (2) that is a vehicle located behind the straddle-type vehicle (1), and an execution section of the controller (20) executes rider-assistance operation to assist with driving by a rider. The execution section executes lane change notification operation on the basis of the positional relationship information, the lane change notification operation being the rider-assistance operation to notify the rider of an instruction on a lane change.