Intelligent Motorcycle Stand Interlock Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorcycle engines are not effectively prevented from starting or running when the side stand is not in the retracted position, posing safety risks and maintenance issues due to improper usage.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent control system that includes a sensor to detect the position of the side stand and a controller to prevent engine operation based on specific conditions, allowing the engine to run only when the stand is retracted and the motorcycle is in a neutral gear state, or when the motorcycle is in motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the engine is prevented from operating when the side stand is extended, then safety risks and maintenance issues are reduced, but the engine cannot run when the stand is accidentally not retracted during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock system dynamically adjusts its behavior based on motorcycle operating conditions. When the motorcycle is moving above a threshold speed, the system disables the stand-based engine prevention, allowing the engine to run regardless of stand position. When the motorcycle is stationary or moving slowly, the system enforces the stand position requirement. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the safety constraint flexible based on the operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors motorcycle speed as a parameter and uses it to change the operational state of the interlock system. When speed exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system transitions from a restrictive mode (preventing engine operation with stand extended) to a permissive mode (allowing engine operation regardless of stand position). This parameter-based state change enables the system to adapt to different operational scenarios.
2Device complexity
If a simple stand position sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot distinguish between different operating conditions (moving vs. stationary)
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors stand position, detects motorcycle speed, determines operating conditions, and controls engine operation based on combined inputs. By making the controller multi-functional, the system avoids adding separate dedicated sensors for each function while still achieving comprehensive condition detection and appropriate response.
Data Source
AI summary
A motorcycle including a frame, an engine mounted to the frame, and a stand movable between an extended position in which the stand supports the motorcycle and a retracted position. The motorcycle includes a sensor operable to generate a stand signal indicative of at least one of the extended and retracted positions of the side stand and a controller electrically coupled to the sensor to receive the stand signal. The controller is programmed for preventing operation of the engine based on the stand signal during a first operating condition of the motorcycle and is further programmed to allow running of the engine during a second operating condition of the motorcycle, regardless of the stand signal.