Optical Sensor Support Stay for Saddled Vehicle Head Pipe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical sensor arrangements in side mirrors of vehicles face challenges in maintaining accurate distance measurement due to shifting of camera positions, which affects usability and accuracy, especially when trying to detect objects in front of the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

An optical sensor supporting structure for saddled vehicles that includes a pair of left and right optical sensors supported by a rigid support stay fixed to the vehicle's head pipe, allowing independent positioning and minimizing shifting, with the sensors placed on the outer side of front fork legs or above a bridge member to enhance detection accuracy and usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If cameras are built in the mirrors, then the relative arrangement of cameras is fixed, but the usability of mirrors deteriorates as passengers cannot adjust the angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidmirror adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the support structure into two independent systems: one for mirrors (attached to handlebars, allowing adjustment) and another for optical sensors (attached to fork legs, maintaining fixed position). This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sensors are extracted from the mirror assembly and mounted separately on the fork legs. This extraction resolves the conflict by allowing mirrors to remain adjustable while sensors maintain a fixed, stable position for accurate distance measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If cameras are disposed in side mirrors, then the structure is compact, but the relative position and angle of cameras shift due to mirror movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor mounting simplicityVSAvoidcamera relative position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the mirror mounting structure from the sensor mounting structure. Mirrors are mounted on the handlebars while sensors are mounted on the fork legs, creating independent support systems that prevent relative position shifts between cameras.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fork legs serve as an intermediary support structure for the optical sensors, providing a stable reference frame that is independent of mirror movements. This intermediary structure ensures camera position stability while allowing mirror adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If optical sensors are supported by rigid support stay, then shifting of relative position is minimized, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor position stabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support stay is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides rigid support for optical sensors to minimize position shifting, while also being integrated into the existing fork leg structure. This multi-functionality reduces overall structural complexity despite the added rigidity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3476708B1Optical sensor supporting structure for saddled vehicles
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3476708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3476708B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3476708B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an optical sensor supporting structure for a saddled vehicle capable of accurately detecting a front of the vehicle by an optical sensor without affecting usability of accessories at a front portion of the vehicle. The optical sensor supporting structure for a saddled vehicle includes left and right cameras which are configured to detect an object in front of the vehicle, and a support stay which is fixed to a head pipe of a vehicle body frame and supports accessories at the front of the vehicle on the head pipe, wherein the left and right cameras are supported by the support stay.