Electric Motorcycle Control Lever With Variable Load Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing straddled electric vehicles lack operability in controlling the drive force of the electric motor, particularly through their operating members.

Innovation Solution

A control system with a first and second operating member, a control device, and a load adjusting device that varies the operating load on the second member based on the second member's operation, enhancing its operability by providing a progressive reduction and blockage range, and a free play range to facilitate smooth transitions and prevent erroneous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional operating member is used to control the drive force of the electric motor, then the structure is simple, but the operability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperability of operating memberVSAvoidstructure of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating range of the second operating member is divided into three distinct ranges: free play range, progressive reduction range, and blockage range. This segmentation provides clear tactile feedback to the operator and enables differentiated control functions for each range, thereby improving operability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The load adjusting device dynamically adjusts the operating load on the second operating member based on the operating amount. The operating load varies in accordance with the reduction amount of drive force or regenerative brake force, providing progressive resistance that enhances the operator's sense of control and feedback

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the operating load on the second operating member is constant, then the structure is simple, but the operator cannot feel a sense of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesense of operating the second operating memberVSAvoidload adjusting device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load adjusting device provides force feedback to the operator by varying the operating load in accordance with the reduction amount of drive force or regenerative brake force. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to feel the effect of their operation, enhancing the sense of control and operability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The operating load parameter is dynamically changed based on the operating amount of the second operating member. The load varies continuously to reflect the reduction amount, creating a responsive and intuitive operating experience

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the second operating member has a single operating range, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide progressive reduction and blockage functions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functions of second operating memberVSAvoidoperating range division
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating range is segmented into three distinct zones: free play range (no reduction), progressive reduction range (gradual reduction with increasing load), and blockage range (complete reduction with decreased load). This segmentation enables multiple control functions within a single operating member, enhancing versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for partial action in the free play range where no reduction occurs, moderate action in the progressive reduction range, and excessive action in the blockage range where complete reduction is achieved. This graduated approach provides flexible control adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4385872B1Control system for straddled electric vehicle and straddled electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4385872B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4385872B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4385872B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is described a control system (10) including a first operating member (21), a second operating member (22), a control device (26), and a load adjusting device (28); the first operating member (21) being an operating member for controlling a drive force of an electric motor (7); the second operating member (22) being an operating member for reducing either the drive force or a regenerative brake force of the electric motor (7); the control device (26) controlling the drive force of the electric motor (7) in accordance with operating the first operating member (21) and reducing either the drive force or the regenerative brake force of the electric motor (7) in accordance with operating the second operating member (22); the load adjusting device (28) making an operating load acting on the second operating member (22) vary in accordance with an amount of reducing either the drive force or the regenerative brake force of the electric motor (7) based on an operating amount of the second operating member (22).