Straddle Vehicle Obstacle Notification via Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing approach notification devices for straddle type vehicles are ineffective due to vibrations and wind exposure, and lack detailed obstacle location recognition, especially since they are not adapted for vehicles without passenger compartments and riders often wear gloves.
Innovation Solution
A straddle type vehicle with an approach notification device that includes obstacle detection, approach determination, and notification means, where a winker manipulator on the steering handle operates a direction indicator and vibrators to notify the rider of obstacles through tactile and visual cues, with increased winker operation resistance when approaching an obstacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an approach notification device is directly applied from four-wheeled motor vehicles to straddle type vehicles, then the basic notification function is provided, but sufficient notification effects cannot be obtained due to vibrations and wind exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual-only notification with a tactile notification system using vibrators mounted on the vehicle body. These vibrators provide haptic feedback to the rider through contact points on the rider's body (hands, feet, or seat), substituting the mechanical vibration sense for visual notification, thereby maintaining effectiveness despite visual distractions from wind and motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibrators as an intermediary notification mechanism between the obstacle detection system and the rider. Instead of directly relying on visual indicators that may be obscured by wind and motion, the system uses tactile vibrators mounted on the vehicle body to transmit notification signals through contact points on the rider's body, serving as a reliable intermediary communication channel.
2Ease of operation
If a winker manipulator is used for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but notification of obstacle approach in the direction of winker operation is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the notification system respond to winker manipulator operation. When the rider operates the winker manipulator to indicate a turning intention, the notification system detects this operation and provides tactile feedback through vibrators if an obstacle is detected in that direction. This feedback loop allows the rider to maintain ease of winker operation while receiving immediate tactile notification of obstacle presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system performs preliminary action by detecting obstacle presence before the rider completes the winker operation. The system monitors the winker manipulator position and, upon detecting an obstacle in the intended direction, activates vibrators in advance to warn the rider, allowing the rider to adjust their maneuver before fully executing the turn.
3Reliability
If vibration notification is provided on the vehicle body, then notification effectiveness is improved, but intuitive recognition of obstacle direction is reduced when rider wears gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selecting specific contact points on the rider's body for vibrator mounting based on the expected wearing conditions. Vibrators are positioned at locations such as the seat, footrests, or handlebars where contact occurs regardless of glove wear. The notification system activates specific vibrators corresponding to the obstacle direction, providing localized tactile feedback that maintains directional recognition even when hands are gloved.
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
Effectively notifies riders of approaching obstacles by combining tactile and visual cues, ensuring intuitive awareness of obstacles in all directions, even in windy conditions and with gloved hands, enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
the notification means comprises a vibrator which vibrates a part corresponding to the location of the obstacle among a plurality of predetermined parts with which the rider makes contact
Data Source
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AI summary
An approach notification device of a straddle type vehicle comprises an obstacle detection means 13 for detecting an obstacle located around a rider's own vehicle 1, an approach determination means 22 for detecting an approaching state that the obstacle is located within a predetermined distance from the own vehicle 1; and a notification means 25, 26 configured to start its operation under the condition that the winker device 14 is operated in the direction of the location of the obstacle in a condition where the approaching state is determined. The notification device may be a winker operation resistance increasing means 25 for increasing operation resistance of a winker manipulator 75. In cooperation with the operation of the winker device 14, vibrators 26 located in a steering handlebar 4L, 4R and a fuel tank 9 may be operated. The approach notification device can effectively notify a rider of an approaching state of an obstacle.