Motorcycle Hand Control Optical Sensor Gesture Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motorcycle hand controls lack an efficient and intuitive interface for operators to control various systems without physical movement, especially for functions like menu navigation and system operation, which can be cumbersome and require manual pointer navigation on displays.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an optical sensor system within the handlebar assembly, comprising a light source and light sensor, that detects movement of the operator's hand across a light transmissive section, generating output signals for a controller to track and control user-operable motorcycle systems, allowing for gesture-based control of functions and menu navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual controls are used for motorcycle systems, then physical operation is required, but operator convenience deteriorates and time is lost for manual pointer navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical hand controls with an optical sensing system that detects hand movements through light reflection. The optical sensor captures reflected light from the operator's hand to determine hand position and movement, eliminating the need for physical contact with traditional mechanical controls. This substitution directly improves ease of operation by allowing gesture-based control and reduces time loss by eliminating manual pointer navigation.
2Productivity
If optical sensors are integrated into the handlebar assembly, then control interface efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical sensor, light source, and light transmissive section into an integrated assembly mounted on the handlebar. By combining these components into a unified structure, the system achieves efficient gesture-based control while managing complexity through integration rather than separate discrete components. The housing integrates multiple functional elements, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the overall assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor assembly serves multiple functions: it detects hand position, determines hand movement direction, and controls various motorcycle systems. This multi-functionality improves control interface efficiency by allowing a single device to handle multiple control tasks, thereby justifying the added complexity through enhanced productivity and reduced need for multiple separate controls.
3Measurement precision
If light transmissive sections are added to the housing, then hand movement detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies light transmissive sections only to specific areas of the housing where hand movement detection is required, rather than making the entire housing transparent. This localized application maintains manufacturing simplicity for the majority of the housing structure while achieving precise hand movement detection in critical areas. The housing can be manufactured using standard processes with localized transparent or translucent inserts.
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
Enables seamless and intuitive control of motorcycle systems and menu navigation through hand movement detection, enhancing operator convenience and reducing the need for manual pointer interaction, while maintaining functionality with or without gloves.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit light, and a light sensor configured to detect reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
A handlebar assembly for steering a vehicle includes a handlebar, a grip positioned on the handlebar at a first end of the handlebar assembly, and a hand control assembly positioned adjacent the grip. The hand control assembly includes an optical sensor. The optical sensor has a housing with a light transmissive section, a light source configured to emit light, and a light sensor configured to detect light. The light source and the light sensor are positioned at least partially within the housing. The optical sensor is operable to detect movement of a vehicle operator along the light transmissive section of the housing by detecting reflected light from the light source with the light sensor.