Motorcycle Steering Torque Enhancer for Low-Speed Balance Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Saddle-ride type vehicles, such as two- and three-wheeled motorcycles, suffer from instability at low speeds, making it difficult for riders to balance and maintain stability, especially for novice riders, due to existing steering assist systems that are complex, bulky, and require significant modifications to the vehicle design, increasing weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A compact balancing support system for saddle-ride type vehicles that uses a frame assembly with a head tube, sensors, an actuator unit, and a torque enhancer unit to provide stability without major design changes, utilizing a small capacity actuator and gear system to enhance steering torque, while maintaining the vehicle's conventional layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If existing steering assist systems are used to provide stability at low speeds, then rider stability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The steering assist system is segmented into independent functional modules: a control unit that processes sensor data and determines assist torque, an actuator unit that generates the assist torque, and a torque enhancer unit that amplifies the torque. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, reducing complexity while maintaining stability assistance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque enhancer unit acts as an intermediary between the actuator unit and the steering shaft. It receives small torque from the actuator and amplifies it to provide sufficient steering assist torque. This intermediary mechanism allows the use of a small capacity actuator instead of a large motor, significantly reducing system weight and complexity while still providing effective stability support.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing steering assist systems are used to provide stability at low speeds, then rider stability is improved, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque enhancer unit serves as a torque amplification intermediary, enabling a small capacity actuator to generate sufficient steering assist torque. This eliminates the need for heavy motors and complex force transmission systems, reducing overall system weight while maintaining effective stability assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical force transmission systems with an electro-mechanical actuator combined with a torque enhancer. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy linkages, multiple joints, and large motors, significantly reducing weight while providing effective steering assist.
3Ease of operation
If existing steering assist systems are used to provide stability, then rider fatigue is reduced, but the system requires significant modifications to vehicle design
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components (control unit, actuator unit, torque enhancer) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modular approach minimizes modifications to the existing vehicle structure, as each module can be integrated into available spaces without requiring major redesign of the vehicle architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering assist system is designed to be localized around the steering shaft and handle bar assembly, with components positioned in the front portion of the vehicle where space is naturally available. This localized placement requires minimal structural modifications to the vehicle while providing effective steering assist to reduce rider fatigue.
4Force
If existing steering assist systems are used, then steering torque is reduced, but the system becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The torque enhancer unit acts as a torque amplification intermediary, receiving small torque from the actuator and multiplying it to provide sufficient steering assist torque. This allows the system to reduce the steering torque burden on the rider using a compact actuator rather than requiring a large motor and complex mechanical transmission system.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque enhancement function is extracted as a separate, dedicated component (the torque enhancer unit) rather than being integrated into a bulky mechanical transmission system. This extraction allows for a more compact and simpler overall system design while still achieving the necessary torque reduction for the rider.
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
The system enhances stability and reduces rider fatigue by providing balanced steering assistance, improving the riding experience for both novice and experienced riders, especially in slow-moving conditions, without altering the vehicle's design or increasing weight significantly.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator unit (205) secured to a first portion of the frame assembly (105)
Implementation Method 2
a torque enhancer unit (210) functionally connected to the actuator unit (205), wherein the torque enhancer unit (210) comprises a drive gear (255) functionally coupled to the actuator unit (205) and a driven gear (260) functionally coupled to drive a steering shaft (213)
Data Source
AI summary
A balancing support system is for a saddle ride-type motor vehicle that includes a frame assembly including a head tube in a front portion of the frame assembly, is configured to assist a rider by balancing the motor vehicle, and includes: a steering shaft rotatably journaled about the head tube; a plurality of sensors that senses various dynamic parameters of the motor vehicle and includes a steering angle sensor; an actuator unit secured to a first portion of the frame assembly; a torque enhancer unit configured to provide a driving force from the actuator unit to the steering shaft and disposed above the head tube; and a balancing support-control unit that estimates an estimated steering angle based on inputs received from the plurality of sensors, compares the estimated steering angle with an actual steering angle, and triggers the actuator unit.