Straddle Vehicle Light Control With Hold-to-Switch Auto Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing straddle vehicle systems face complexity in mode switching for light illumination beyond high beam and low beam operations, making them cumbersome for drivers.

Innovation Solution

A straddle vehicle configuration with a light, situation acquisition unit, and controller, along with an operation member having three positions, allows for simplified mode switching by automatically adjusting the headlight illumination based on the vehicle's situation, enabling easy transition between manual and automatic modes using a single operation member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multiple-position operation member is used to control different illumination modes, then the mode switching operation becomes complicated, but the illumination control functionality is enhanced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination mode controlVSAvoidmode switching operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operation member is segmented into distinct operational phases: a first operation phase for switching between high beam and low beam, and a second operation phase for switching between automatic and manual modes. This segmentation allows each phase to handle specific functions independently, reducing the complexity perceived by the user while maintaining comprehensive illumination control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The operation member employs dynamic characteristics including a returnable position where it automatically returns after being operated, and a maintainable position where it stays at the operated position. This dynamic behavior enables mode switching without requiring the user to remember or precisely control the final position, simplifying the operation while providing multiple illumination modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation positions are provided for mode switching, then the illumination control capability is improved, but the operation member complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight illumination controlVSAvoidoperation member structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operation member is designed as a universal control element that performs multiple functions: it controls beam switching (high/low) in the first operation phase and mode switching (automatic/manual) in the second operation phase. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control elements for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive illumination control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation member utilizes temporal dimension by introducing a time-based distinction between the first operation phase (immediate response for beam switching) and the second operation phase (sustained operation for mode switching). This dimensional approach allows a single physical element to control multiple functions without requiring additional spatial positions or complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Extent of automation

If automatic mode switching is implemented, then the illumination adaptation to situation is improved, but the manual control capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveillumination mode switchingVSAvoidmanual control flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing separate controls for automatic and manual modes, the invention inverts the approach by using the same operation member for both functions. The operation member's dual-phase design allows the user to switch between automatic and manual control by operating the member in the second operation phase, while maintaining full manual control capability through the first operation phase. This inversion ensures that automation enhancement does not come at the cost of manual control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP4001072B1Straddle vehicle and light control method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD
  • EP4001072B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4001072B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4001072B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED]To enable switching of a mode relating to an illumination mode of a light (31), and to simplify switching of the mode. [Solution] The operation member is switchable between a first operation position (P1), a second operation position (P3), and a third operation position (P3). When operating force is released while the operation member is at the third operation position (P3), the operation member returns to the second operation position (P2). The controller is switchable between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the controller sets the headlight (33) to high beam when the operation member is at the first operation position (P1) or the third operation position (P3), and sets the headlight (33) to low beam when the operation member is at the second operation position (P2). In the second mode, the controller controls to change an illumination mode by the light (31) according to a situation acquired by the situation acquisition unit. The switching from the first mode to the second mode is performed by holding the operation member at the third operation position (P3) for a first threshold time (T1) or more.