Quick-Shifter Rod Feedback for Autonomous Shift Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic gearboxes in saddle-ride type motorcycles with quick-shifter devices lack an autonomous method to determine and adapt to the operative shift configuration (standard or reverse) without relying on human intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method implemented by the motor vehicle's control unit to determine the operative shift configuration of the drive mechanism by acquiring signals from sensors detecting the tension state of the quick-shifter rod and the gear shifting direction, allowing the control unit to autonomously set the correct engine control strategy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the drive mechanism is modified to reverse operative shift configuration, then the pilot can upshift using the sole of the foot (safety improved), but the control unit cannot autonomously determine the configuration (automation reduced)
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback signals from microswitches (SM1, SM2) that detect the tension state of the quick-shifter rod. By analyzing which microswitch activates during gear shifting, the control unit autonomously determines whether the drive mechanism is in standard or reverse configuration, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining safety benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-configuration through the control unit automatically detecting the operative shift configuration via sensor signals. The control unit adapts its operation autonomously based on the detected configuration, making the system self-sufficient without requiring pilot intervention.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical modification is made to obtain reverse operative shift configuration, then the shifting direction is reversed (operational safety improved), but the control strategy must be manually changed (complexity increased)
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit uses feedback from microswitches to automatically detect the operative shift configuration. Based on which microswitch (SM1 for traction state, SM2 for compression state) activates during shifting, the control unit infers the configuration and automatically adjusts the control strategy, eliminating manual reconfiguration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically changes its operational parameters (torque management strategy) based on the detected configuration. When reverse configuration is detected, the control unit inverts the interpretation of microswitch signals and adjusts engine torque delivery accordingly, allowing the same hardware to support multiple configurations without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If the control unit adapts to reverse configuration, then correct engine torque management is achieved (reliability improved), but manual intervention is required (automation reduced)
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors microswitch signals during gear shifting operations. By analyzing the tension state signals from SM1 and SM2, the control unit automatically determines the operative configuration and adapts engine torque management in real-time, ensuring reliability without requiring human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual determination process is replaced by an electronic sensing and processing system. The control unit uses electronic signals from microswitches to detect configuration and automatically adjusts torque management, substituting human judgment with electronic automation while maintaining or improving reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining an operative shift configuration of a drive mechanism (1) of a gearbox (G) of a saddle-ride type vehicle (4). In particular, this method is applied to a drive mechanism (1) comprising a pedal shift lever (12) and a quick-shifter device (5) that connects, directly or indirectly, the lever to the gearbox, where this device includes a rod (10) and first sensor means (SM0, SM1-SM2) that detect the variation of the tension state of said rod (10) following a gear shifting. The method according to the invention includes acquiring a first signal (S1) generated by said first sensor means and determining, based on said first signal, whether the rod is in a traction tension state or in a compression tension state. The method also includes acquiring at least a second signal (S2) generated by second sensor means (SM3) and determining, based on this second signal (S2), the gear engaged following said gear shifting and/or the direction of said gear shifting. Finally, the method includes determining the operative shift configuration of the drive mechanism based on the tension state determined in the step B) and the gear engaged and/or based on the direction of said gear shifting determined in the step D).