Motorcycle Driving Mode Selection via Sequential Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern motorcycles with numerous electronic control units face challenges in efficiently switching between driving modes due to the complexity of parameter settings and interactions between subsystems, overwhelming drivers with technical requirements for optimal settings.

Innovation Solution

Defining presettable driving modes with specific parameter settings for electronic vehicle systems, allowing selection through sequential actuation of easily accessible elements like a button and clutch lever, with safety conditions such as no acceleration or braking, and optional additional modes enabled by a coding plug for professional settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual operating parameters are made adjustable for different electronic subsystems, then the adaptability to different driving conditions is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to driving conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of parameter settings
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex parameter adjustment task into two distinct phases: preselection phase (where the driver selects a desired driving mode) and confirmation phase (where the mode change is executed). This segmentation separates the information processing burden from the execution action, making the system more manageable and less overwhelming for the driver while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by requiring the driver to first preselect the desired driving mode before the actual mode change occurs. The preselection stores the intended mode in memory, and only upon confirmation (or automatic confirmation after timeout) does the system execute the mode change. This preliminary step allows the driver to consider the implications of mode changes without immediately executing them, reducing errors while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If more actuating elements are added to confirm mode changes, then the operating safety is improved by preventing unintentional switches, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating safetyVSAvoidease of mode switching
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the preselection memory and timeout counter - that mediates between the driver's intent and the system's response. Instead of requiring immediate confirmation with a second actuating element, the system holds the preselected mode in memory and automatically confirms after a predetermined timeout period if no cancellation occurs. This intermediary mechanism provides safety through intentional design (requiring deliberate action) while maintaining ease of operation (automatic confirmation).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action through the timeout counter that resets with each actuation of the first actuating element and triggers automatic confirmation when the predetermined time elapses. This periodic mechanism provides a rhythm to the mode selection process: actuate, wait for timeout, or cancel before timeout. This structured temporal pattern makes the system both safe (requires intentional repeated action) and easy to operate (predictable timing).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2233388B1Method for selecting different driving modes and vehicle, in particular motorcycle with an electronics system which can be switched to different driving modes
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP2233388B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2233388B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2233388B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

Method for switching from a first, electronically controlled driving mode of a vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, to a second, electronically controlled driving mode, comprising the following steps: - pre-selection of the second driving mode by actuating a first actuating element (11) and - switching from the first to the pre-selected second driving mode by actuating a second actuating element that differs from the first actuating element (11).