Motorcycle Speed Changer Mode Misrecognition Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In speed changing devices for motorcycles, there is a risk of mode misrecognition between manual and automatic modes, where riders may inadvertently operate in the wrong mode, leading to potential errors or accidents due to lack of awareness of the current mode setting.

Innovation Solution

A speed changing device with a control unit that detects mode misrecognition and signals the driver through various means, such as stopping the vehicle, issuing an engine stop signal, or changing the indicator blinking cycle, to ensure awareness of the current mode setting, particularly when the clutch lever is not operated in the manual mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the clutch is electrically controlled to enable automatic mode operation, then the motorcycle can start without the clutch lever being operated, but there is a likelihood that a rider will misrecognize that the automatic mode is set

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of startingVSAvoidmode recognition

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses different blinking patterns of a mode indicator light to convey different operational states. In automatic mode, the indicator blinks at a first cycle, while in manual mode it blinks at a second cycle. This visual signal change helps riders recognize the current mode setting and prevents misrecognition when the clutch is electrically controlled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback to the rider through the mode indicator that reflects the current operational state. By monitoring the clutch lever position and mode setting, the controller adjusts the indicator blinking pattern to provide real-time information about whether the system is in automatic or manual mode, preventing rider misrecognition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the control unit stops the vehicle to signal mode misrecognition, then the driver can reliably recognize mode misrecognition, but it may cause shock or discomfort to the driver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemode recognition reliabilityVSAvoiddriver shock

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous or abrupt stopping, the patent uses periodic blinking of the mode indicator at different cycles to signal mode misrecognition. This periodic visual signal achieves reliable mode recognition without causing physical shock or discomfort to the driver

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the mode indicator as an intermediary signaling device that conveys mode misrecognition information to the driver. This intermediary provides reliable mode recognition through visual feedback without requiring direct physical intervention that would cause shock or discomfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10913465B2Speed changing device

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A speed changing device includes a control unit (60) that: has a manual mode in which a clutch is engaged and disengaged by operating a clutch lever (4b) and an automatic mode in which the clutch is engaged and disengaged without the clutch lever (4b) being operated and is able to change a setting to the manual mode and the automatic mode; and is configured to signal mode misrecognition when it is determined that mode misrecognition has occurred.