Foot-Operated Speed Change Controller with Electro-Hydraulic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing speed change systems for saddle-type vehicles, such as motorcycles, lack a convenient and effective mechanism for speed change operation by foot, as they rely on mechanical linkages that are difficult to manipulate delicately and provide limited feedback.
Innovation Solution
A speed change controller with a detection mechanism that includes a moving part operated by foot, a detection unit, and an operating force changing mechanism, allowing precise detection of speed change intentions and providing tactile feedback through a return mechanism and stoppers, enabling efficient speed change operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical linkage system is used for speed change operation, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the ease of operation deteriorates because foot manipulation is difficult and provides limited feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linkage system with an electro-hydraulic actuator system. The detection unit detects the driver's speed change intention, and the control unit activates the electro-hydraulic actuator to perform the speed change operation automatically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages while improving ease of operation through automatic actuation and tactile feedback
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electro-hydraulic actuator as an intermediary between the driver's foot operation and the transmission speed change mechanism. This intermediary component translates the driver's input into precise mechanical movement, providing both ease of operation and tactile feedback without requiring direct mechanical linkage
2Ease of operation
If a foot-operated mechanism is used for speed change, then the ease of operation improves for foot manipulation, but the measurement precision deteriorates because foot movement detection is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movement detection with an electronic detection unit that uses sensors to detect the driver's speed change intention. This electronic detection system provides high measurement precision by accurately sensing foot movement or pressure changes, converting them into electrical signals for precise control of the electro-hydraulic actuator
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit acts as an intermediary between the driver's foot operation and the control system. It precisely detects the driver's intention through various sensing mechanisms (such as position sensors or pressure sensors) and converts this information into accurate control signals, ensuring high measurement precision while maintaining ease of foot operation
3Ease of operation
If an electro-hydraulic actuator system is used, then the ease of operation and measurement precision improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection unit, control unit, and electro-hydraulic actuator into an integrated speed change control system. This integration reduces device complexity by combining multiple functions into a unified system, where the detection unit, control unit, and actuator work together as a coordinated whole rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-hydraulic actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as the power source for speed change, provides tactile feedback to the driver, and can be controlled through various detection methods. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation and measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
A speed change controller is provided on a saddle-ride type vehicle and is suited to manipulation by a foot. The speed change controller for saddle-ride type vehicles comprises a detection mechanism that detects operation by a driver for speed change, and a speed change mechanism that performs speed change on the basis of speed change operation detected by the detection mechanism. The detection mechanism provided by the invention comprises an operation part manipulated by a foot for speed change and including a moving part, which moves relative to the vehicle on the basis of manipulation by a foot, and a detection unit that detects that the moving part moves a predetermined amount or more.