Rotating Input Device for Saddle Vehicle Handlebars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional saddle type vehicles face challenges in providing an input device with a high degree of freedom in shape while maintaining operability and avoiding interference with the handlebar unit.
Innovation Solution
The input device features a rotating body that is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the thumb thickness and nail length directions, allowing operation through flexion and extension of the thumb, with a design that includes a resistance applying unit for improved usability and a unique operational surface configuration to prevent interference with the handlebar unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input device is provided to the handlebar unit, then the operation member can be easily accessed, but it may interfere with the handlebar unit structure
Solution Approach 1:
The operational surface is arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotating body, extending continuously only along a part of the circumference. This circumferential arrangement allows the operation member to be positioned in a dimension that avoids interference with the handlebar unit while remaining accessible to the rider's thumb.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational surface is positioned at a specific location on the rotating body where it can be operated by the thumb without interfering with the handlebar unit. The operational surface extends continuously only along a part of the circumference, creating a localized operational zone that avoids conflict with surrounding structures.
2Shape
If the operational surface extends along the circumference of the rotating body, then the shape freedom is increased, but the complexity of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operational surface extends continuously only along a part of the circumference rather than the entire circumference, segmenting the operational area into a specific arc portion. This segmentation provides shape freedom for the operation member while keeping the structure simpler by not requiring a complete circular operational surface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A saddle type vehicle including an input device (12) provided to a handlebar unit (7) and operable with a palmar side of a thumb (50C) of a hand gripping a grip portion (8a), the input device (12) includes a case (30) and a rotating body (41) including an operational surface (43) arranged in a circumferential direction, a portion of the operational surface (43) is accommodated in the case (30) and a remaining portion of it is exposed to the outside of the case (30), the rotating body (41) is configured to be rotationally operated by flexing and/or extending the thumb (50C) of the hand gripping the grip portion (8a) while the palmar side of the thumb (50C) is in contact with the portion of the operational surface (43) which is exposed to the outside of the case (30) so that a thumb thickness direction (TC) of the thumb (50C) and a nail length direction (LC) of the thumb (50C) respectively extend in directions orthogonal to a rotation axis (Cr) of the rotating body (41).