Snowmobile Braking System with Staged Timer Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recreational vehicles, such as snowmobiles, continue moving after a rider falls off, potentially causing accidents, injuries, and damage due to their inability to automatically brake effectively, especially at high speeds, and existing tethering systems are cumbersome and not always reliable.
Innovation Solution
A braking system comprising a tether system, a controller system, and a brake, where the tether system is removably connected to the vehicle, and a key fob is wirelessly connected to the controller, which activates a slowdown timer and then a stop timer to gradually or abruptly stop the vehicle after the rider dismounts, ensuring safety and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rider falls off a snowmobile traveling at high speed, then the snowmobile continues moving a large distance, but this causes accidents, injuries, and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The braking system is pre-configured to automatically activate upon detection of rider dismount through tether system or key fob signal loss. The controller system has pre-programmed slowdown and stop timers that immediately initiate braking action without requiring rider input, thus preventing the harmful effect of continued high-speed travel after rider dismount
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the position of the tether system or key fob relative to the snowmobile. When the tether is removed or key fob signal is lost, this feedback triggers the controller system to activate the braking sequence, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that responds to rider dismount conditions
2Reliability
If existing tethering systems are used to activate braking, then the snowmobile can stop after rider dismount, but the tethering devices are cumbersome and not always reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The controller system is designed to accept multiple types of rider presence indicators - either a tether system physically attached to the rider or a wireless key fob. This multi-functional approach ensures reliable braking activation through whichever method the rider prefers, while the system intelligently determines which method is being used
Solution Approach 2:
The controller system acts as an intermediary between the rider presence detection (tether or key fob) and the braking system. It processes signals from either detection method and translates them into appropriate braking commands, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If the brake is activated immediately upon rider dismount, then the snowmobile stops quickly, but this may cause abrupt stopping and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The controller system pre-programs a two-stage braking sequence with slowdown timer followed by stop timer. This preliminary configuration of staged braking allows the system to gradually reduce speed first, then complete the stop, distributing mechanical stress over time rather than applying full braking force immediately
Solution Approach 2:
The braking system dynamically adjusts its application through the two-timer sequence. The slowdown timer phase applies moderate braking to reduce speed, then the stop timer phase applies full braking force to complete the stop. This dynamic, phased approach protects the braking system from excessive immediate stress while ensuring safe stopping
Data Source
AI summary
A recreational vehicle braking system having a tether system, a controller system, and a brake. The controller system activates a slowdown timer upon removal of the tether system from the vehicle and then activates a stop timer upon expiration of the slowdown timer.