Rocking Controller Actuator Nesting for Mass Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing structure of rocking controllers for saddle riding type vehicles distributes mass unevenly due to the placement of heavy actuators at the front section, which affects the vehicle's balance and stability during lateral rocking.

Innovation Solution

A structure that includes a rocking lock mechanism with an arc-shaped lock plate and a motor actuator positioned behind the lock mechanism, where the rotating drive shaft penetrates the inner circumferential region of the lock plate, allowing for efficient application of force and minimizing the actuator's forward extension, along with a torque detecting sensor at the rear for protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the actuator is arranged at the front side to avoid the rocking mechanism, then the rocking control function is achieved, but the mass distribution becomes uneven and the front section becomes too heavy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverocking control functionVSAvoidmass distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating drive shaft of the motor is arranged to penetrate the inner circumferential region of the arc-shaped lock plate, nesting the motor within the spatial envelope of the locking mechanism. This allows the heavy actuator to be positioned behind the lock mechanism rather than at the front, achieving mass concentration while maintaining rocking control functionality through the drive shaft's penetration through the lock plate structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Weight of moving object

If the rotating drive shaft penetrates the lock plate, then the actuator can be positioned behind the lock mechanism, but the lock plate structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass concentrationVSAvoidlock plate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The arc-shaped lock plate serves multiple functions: it provides the locking surface for the lock caliper, supports the rotating drive shaft penetration, and transmits the rocking control force. By making the lock plate multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate structural elements, thereby reducing overall complexity while achieving the mass concentration goal.

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

3Reliability

If the torque detecting sensor is placed at the rear side, then it is protected from foreign objects, but the sensor positioning becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor protectionVSAvoidsensor positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The torque detecting sensor is positioned at the rear side of the motor, utilizing the depth dimension of the motor housing rather than the front-facing plane. This spatial repositioning in the axial direction provides natural protection from front-side foreign objects while maintaining the sensor's functional connection to the drive shaft through the motor's internal structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3381779B1Structure of rocking controller of saddle riding type vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.01.22 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3381779B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3381779B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3381779B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A structure of rocking controller (100) of a saddle riding type vehicle includes a rocking lock mechanism (32A) configured to lock lateral rocking of the vehicle body (1A); wherein the rocking lock mechanism (32A) includes an arc shaped lock plate (31) which crosses with an axial direction of a rocking shaft of the vehicle body (1A) and a lock caliper (32) configured to lock a relative rocking between the lock plate (31) and the lock caliper (32) by clamping the lock plate (31), and a motor (42a) for the actuator (41) is arranged in front of the rocking lock mechanism (32A) and the rotating drive shaft (41a) of the motor (42a) is arranged so as to penetrate an inner circumferential region of the arc shaped lock plate (31).