Straddle Vehicle Low-Speed Torque Control for Forward and Reverse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing straddle vehicles lack the ability to intuitively replicate the intended feeling of the user during traveling operations, particularly in low-speed modes where forward and backward movements require distinct control modes with varying torque and speed adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A straddle vehicle equipped with an electric motor and processing circuitry that determines the control mode (normal or low-speed) and adjusts the rotation speed or output torque based on user operations, using different change rates for forward and backward movements, with the absolute value of the change rate being higher for forward movements in low-speed mode to enhance user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the vehicle uses a single control mode for both forward and backward traveling, then the control system is simple, but the user experience does not match the intended feeling during different traveling operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distinct control modes: a first control mode for forward traveling operations and a second control mode for backward traveling operations. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently for its specific direction, improving user experience without requiring a completely complex unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically switches between different control modes based on the detected traveling direction. The processing circuitry determines whether the user operation is forward or backward traveling and automatically adjusts the control parameters accordingly, making the system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the vehicle limits traveling speed in low-speed mode, then obstacle avoidance is improved, but the responsiveness to user acceleration operations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobstacle avoidanceVSAvoidresponsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes control parameters dynamically based on traveling direction. In the first control mode (forward traveling), the rotation speed or output torque changes at a first change rate that provides responsive acceleration while maintaining safety. In the second control mode (backward traveling), a second change rate is applied that prioritizes obstacle avoidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control system applies asymmetric change rates: the absolute value of the first change rate is larger than the absolute value of the second change rate. This asymmetry reflects the different safety requirements and user expectations for forward versus backward traveling, allowing optimized performance for each direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If the vehicle applies the same torque control for forward and backward operations, then the control logic is simple, but the vehicle cannot replicate the user's intended feeling during different traveling directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintended feelingVSAvoidcontrol logic
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The torque control is segmented into direction-specific control modes. The processing circuitry determines the traveling direction and applies appropriate torque control strategies: one optimized for forward acceleration and another for backward movement, allowing each to replicate user intent accurately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback by monitoring user acceleration operations and comparing them against the current control mode. The processing circuitry adjusts torque and speed changes based on the detected operation type, creating a feedback loop that helps replicate the user's intended feeling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4474204A1Straddle vehicle and vehicle control method
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 KAWASAKI MOTORS LTD
  • EP4474204A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4474204A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4474204A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There are provided a straddle vehicle and a method for controlling a vehicle. A processing circuitry of the straddle vehicle is configured to: determine whether a control mode or a low-speed mode; determine whether a user operation is a forward traveling operation or a backward traveling operation when being determined that the control mode is the low-speed mode; change a rotation speed or an output torque of an electric motor of the straddle vehicle in the positive direction at a first change rate when being determined that the user operation is the forward traveling operation; and change the rotation speed or the output torque of the electric motor in the reverse direction at a second change rate when being determined that the user operation is the backward traveling operation. An absolute value of the first change rate is larger than an absolute value of the second change rate.