Motorized Lean-to-Steer Device with Dynamic Speed Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lean-to-steer devices rely on mechanical structures for steering responses, which lack flexibility and require mechanical adjustments to change steering characteristics, limiting their ability to adapt to different speeds and surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A motorized steering system that independently controls the steering response based on tilting and speed, allowing for continuous or discontinuous adjustments, and can be automatically adjusted to match the desired steering action with the current speed, using sensors and a controller to calculate and set the appropriate steering angle for curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical structures are used to provide steering responses, then the device has a simple structure, but the steering response lacks flexibility and requires mechanical adjustments to change steering characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical steering adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses a processor to calculate desired steering angles and a motor to actuate the steering. This substitution allows steering characteristics to be changed through software algorithms rather than mechanical adjustments, providing flexible adaptability without adding complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the steering response by modifying control parameters such as steering angle calculations based on lean angle, speed, and radius of curvature. The processor dynamically adjusts steering characteristics by changing these parameters rather than requiring physical mechanical adjustments, enabling flexible adaptation to different riding conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adjustments are made to change steering characteristics, then the steering response can be customized, but the device requires manual intervention and mechanical component changes
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system performs self-adjustment through the processor that automatically calculates the desired steering angle based on sensor inputs (lean angle, speed, etc.) and control algorithms. The system serves itself by dynamically adjusting steering characteristics without requiring manual intervention, making the adjustment process as simple as riding the device while it adapts to conditions automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor lean angle, speed, and other parameters, and the processor uses this feedback to calculate and adjust the steering angle in real-time. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic steering characteristic adjustment based on actual riding conditions without manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the steering response is fixed mechanically, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different speeds and surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic steering control system where the processor continuously calculates the desired steering angle based on real-time speed and surface conditions. The steering response is no longer fixed but dynamically adjusted according to riding speed, lean angle, and radius of curvature, allowing automatic adaptation to different speeds and surfaces through computational algorithms rather than multiple mechanical configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Continuous or discontinuous steering responses for a lean-to-steer device can be provided by controlling the steering angle of at least one wheel by a steering motor that is operated by a controller. The controller receives signals from a tilt sensor to calculate an appropriate steering angle for the at least one wheel. When a speed sensor is also provided, the controller can calculate a steering angle to match the curve radius of motion to the pendulum angle corresponding to the indicated speed and tilt.