Sidecar Yaw Torque Control via Load Sensors and Electric Motor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motorcycle sidecars experience reduced riding stability and compromised steering capability due to yaw torque acting on the vehicle during acceleration or braking, caused by opposing forces acting on the motorcycle and sidecar.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system comprising a saddle riding vehicle and a sidecar with a wheel and electric motor, coupled via bars with load sensors to detect yaw torque, and a controller to adjust the electric motor's torque to counteract the yaw torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a sidecar is coupled to a motorcycle to facilitate passenger seating, then the passenger capacity is improved, but the riding stability and steering capability deteriorate due to yaw torque during acceleration or braking
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by using load sensors to detect yaw torque before it significantly impacts stability, and the controller pre-calculates and applies counteracting torque through the sidecar's electric motor to neutralize the destabilizing effect during acceleration or braking maneuvers
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring yaw torque through load sensors mounted on the coupling bars, feeding this information to the controller which adjusts the sidecar motor torque in real-time to maintain stability, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual vehicle dynamics
2Quantity of substance
If a sidecar is coupled to a motorcycle to facilitate passenger seating, then the passenger capacity is improved, but the steering capability deteriorates due to yaw torque acting on the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The controller applies preliminary anti-action by calculating the required counter-torque based on detected yaw torque and applying it through the sidecar motor before the yaw torque can significantly compromise steering capability, ensuring the motorcycle remains responsive to steering inputs
3Stability of the object's composition
If load sensors and control system are added to detect and reduce yaw torque, then the riding stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by enabling the sidecar's electric motor to serve dual purposes: its primary function of propelling the sidecar and its secondary function of generating counter-torque to stabilize the vehicle, eliminating the need for separate stabilization hardware and reducing overall system complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces yaw torque acting on the vehicle, thereby enhancing riding stability and steering capability by actively controlling the sidecar's wheel torque.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of load sensors mounted on the at least two bars and configured to detect a measure of a yaw torque acting on the vehicle during a movement of the vehicle on the road
Implementation Method 2
at least one electric motor operatively coupled to the wheel and configured to rotate the wheel
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a saddle riding vehicle and a sidecar coupled to the saddle riding vehicle. The sidecar includes a wheel configured to facilitate a movement of the sidecar on a road, and at least one electric motor operatively coupled to the wheel to rotate the wheel. At least two bars extend from the sidecar to the saddle riding vehicle and couples the sidecar to the saddle riding vehicle. Moreover, the vehicle includes load sensors mounted on the at least two bars to detect a measure of a yaw torque acting on the vehicle. A controller is configured to determine the yaw torque acting on the vehicle based on inputs received from the load sensors, and control the electric motor to control a wheel torque provided to the wheel of the sidecar by the electric motor to reduce the yaw torque acting on the vehicle.