Motorcycle Shift Control Device with Foot Pedal and Hand Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shift control devices for motorcycles require complex mechanisms and incongruous operation methods when integrating a foot-operated shift switch with a handlebar-mounted N/D changeover switch and hand-operated shift switch, leading to a less intuitive and less user-friendly shifting experience.

Innovation Solution

A shift control device for motorcycles that includes a transmission allowing switching between neutral and drive modes, with a foot-operated shift control unit enabling manual shifting via a foot pedal, and a hand-operated shift switch on the handlebar, where the shift control section determines and prioritizes shift requirements based on both foot and hand operations, delaying acceptance of subsequent shift requests to prevent torque variation and canceling conflicting requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a foot-operated shift switch is added to a motorcycle with handlebar-mounted N/D changeover switch and hand-operated shift switch, then shifting operation becomes more flexible and intuitive, but the operation sequence becomes incongruous and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshifting operation intuitivenessVSAvoidoperation sequence complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The foot-operated shift switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it can switch between neutral and drive modes (originally the function of the handlebar N/D switch) and can also perform manual shift operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switches and simplifies the operation sequence while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the rider to use the handlebar switch for N/D mode switching and then the foot pedal for shift operations (the conventional sequence), the invention inverts the logic by allowing the foot pedal to directly perform N/D mode switching when in neutral position, reversing the traditional hand-first operation sequence to a more intuitive foot-first approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the foot-operated shift switch allows direct neutral-to-drive mode switching, then the operation becomes simpler and more direct, but unintended shifts and torque variation may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshifting operation simplicityVSAvoidshift operation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before allowing the foot-operated shift switch to perform N/D mode switching, the system checks whether the transmission is currently in neutral position. This preliminary position verification ensures that mode switching only occurs when appropriate, preventing unintended shifts and torque variation while maintaining simple direct operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the transmission position and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit determines whether the foot-operated switch input should be interpreted as a shift command or an N/D mode switching command, thereby preventing unintended shifts and ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If both hand-operated and foot-operated shift switches are provided, then shifting flexibility is improved, but conflicting shift requirements and torque variation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshifting method flexibilityVSAvoidtorque variation and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that receives inputs from both hand-operated and foot-operated shift switches. It processes these inputs sequentially, determining which command to execute based on timing and current transmission state, thereby preventing conflicting commands from causing torque variation and noise while maintaining shifting flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic sampling and evaluation of shift commands from both hand and foot switches. By processing commands in a structured periodic manner rather than simultaneously, the system resolves conflicts between opposing shift directions and eliminates torque variation caused by simultaneous contradictory commands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8948985B2Shift control device for motorcycle, and motorcycle incorporating same

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A shift control device for a motorcycle includes a transmission that allows switching between a neutral state and a number of engaged shift positions, a shift control section that controls a shift state of the transmission, and an N/D changeover switch that switches between the neutral state and a drive mode for executing automatic shift among the plural shift positions. The shift control device also includes a hand-operated shift switch that allows manual shifting among the plural shift positions, and a foot operated shift control unit that allows manual shifting among the plural shift positions during the drive mode according to an operation of a shift pedal. The N/D changeover switch and the hand-operated shift switch are arranged around a handlebar of the motorcycle. The shift control section is operable to switch between the neutral state and the drive mode by the foot operated shift control unit.