Two-Wheeled Vehicle Tilt Detection for Engine Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-wheeled vehicle engines lack advanced systems for secure startup and fuel management, particularly in scenarios where the vehicle is tilted or the fuel level is low, which can lead to engine shutdown and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control unit that integrates a portable wireless security device to manage engine startup and shutdown, along with sensors for tilt and fuel level detection, allowing for automatic engine shutdown if the vehicle is tilted or the fuel level is critically low.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a control unit with wireless security device integration is implemented, then vehicle security and controlled startup/shutdown are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the security device, control unit, tilt sensor, and fuel level sensor into an integrated system. The control unit receives signals from both the wireless security device and sensors, then coordinates startup and shutdown operations centrally, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms and improving overall system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes security device signals for authenticated startup, monitors tilt sensor data for safety shutdown, checks fuel level sensors for low-fuel shutdown, and coordinates electrical system power states. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate control systems.
2Reliability
If sensors for tilt and fuel level detection are added, then safety and fuel management are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt sensor automatically detects vehicle tilting and triggers shutdown without manual intervention. The fuel level sensor continuously monitors and autonomously initiates shutdown when fuel reaches critical levels. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual monitoring and decision-making systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors provide continuous feedback to the control unit about vehicle tilt and fuel levels. The control unit uses this feedback to automatically make shutdown decisions, creating a closed-loop safety system that responds dynamically to changing conditions without requiring complex predictive algorithms.
3Reliability
If automatic shutdown features are implemented, then prevention of accidents is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively prevents accidents by monitoring tilt and fuel levels before critical failure occurs. The control unit prepares for potential shutdown scenarios by continuously assessing conditions and is ready to execute shutdown immediately when thresholds are exceeded, preventing tilted operation or low-fuel damage before they become hazardous.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit executes shutdown operations automatically when safety conditions are met, eliminating the need for operator intervention in emergency situations. This preliminary automated action ensures safety-critical operations occur immediately and consistently, regardless of operator awareness or reaction time.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-wheeled vehicle is provided including a frame, front and rear ground-engaging members each supporting the frame, a straddle-type seat, a handlebar for steering the vehicle, at least one light device configured to operate in a hazard mode, an engine supported by the frame and operably coupled to the ground-engaging members, a tilt sensor, and a vehicle control unit in communication with the tilt sensor. The vehicle control unit is operative to detect a tilt angle of the vehicle based on output from the tilt sensor. The vehicle control unit is operative to determine a tip-over condition of the vehicle based on the detected tilt angle exceeding a threshold tilt angle. The vehicle control unit activates the hazard mode of the at least one light in response to the determination of the tip-over condition.