Three-Wheel Cornering Assistance Using Differential Front-Wheel Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the stability and maneuverability of three-wheeled motorcycle-type vehicles are inadequate, as they either compromise agility or require complex, weight-adding systems, and existing torque maps are insufficient for describing the ideal operating point due to the risk of tipping over in turns.
Innovation Solution
A method for differentially controlling the engine torque supplied to each steering wheel using a processor that calculates and applies asymmetrical motor torques based on vehicle speed, handlebar position, and torque applied, enhancing stability and maneuverability by exploiting gyroscopic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a second front wheel is added to a two-wheeled vehicle to increase stability, then stability is improved, but the vehicle's ability to lean and maneuverability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the steering function into two independent electric motors, one for each front wheel, allowing differential control. This segmentation enables the system to independently adjust the torque applied to each wheel, providing both stability through coordinated control and maneuverability through asymmetric torque application during turning maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic torque control that adapts to vehicle speed and steering angle. The control system continuously adjusts the differential torque between the two front wheels based on real-time operating conditions, enabling the vehicle to maintain optimal stability at high speeds while achieving enhanced maneuverability during turning operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If differential torque is applied to improve stability in three-wheeled vehicles, then stability is improved, but the vehicle becomes less agile on winding roads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the torque parameters applied to each front wheel based on vehicle speed and steering angle. At lower speeds during winding road navigation, the system reduces differential torque to enhance agility, while at higher speeds it increases differential torque to maintain stability, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and cornering speed.
3Device complexity
If a map of ideal torques is used for four-wheeled vehicles, then control is simplified, but it is insufficient for three-wheeled vehicles due to tipping risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors vehicle speed, steering angle, and other operational parameters. This feedback mechanism allows the system to dynamically adjust the differential torque applied to the front wheels, preventing tipping by reducing torque when approaching critical angles while maintaining simplicity through automated control based on real-time conditions.
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
Improves the stability and maneuverability of three-wheeled vehicles by providing steering assistance through differential torque control, optimizing energy consumption, and ensuring safe turning at various speeds.
Implementation Method 1
At high speeds (typically above 30 km/h), conversely, due to the gyroscopic effect, steering becomes increasingly difficult at higher speeds, producing a seemingly paradoxical effect that is exploited in the technique known as 'counter-steering.' If the rider wishes to turn left, they briefly turn the handlebars in the opposite direction (in this case, to the right). The gyroscopic reaction causes the vehicle to lean in the desired direction (in this case, to the left), thus initiating the turn.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cornering assistance method for a motorised travelling vehicle (1) comprising: - exactly three wheels, two guiding wheels (12) of which are directed by means of a handlebar (14), and a non-guiding wheel (13), - a main heat engine or electric engine which can supply driving power to the non-guiding wheel (13), - two electric motors called secondary electric motors, each being connected to one of the two guiding wheels (12), - controlled power supply means for the motors, which means receive control signals, - a processor which receives signals indicating the position of the handlebar (14), the instantaneous linear speed of the vehicle (1), the torque applied to the handlebar by the driver of the vehicle (1) and the total motor torque requested by the driver of the vehicle (1), and which produces the control signals received by the controlled power supply means of the motors, - means for transmitting the control signals to the power supply means, wherein the following steps are carried out at the processor: - calculating the torque to be supplied by the main motor and the torque to be supplied by the set of secondary motors so that the sum of the torques to be supplied is equal to the total motor torque requested by the driver of the vehicle (1), - calculating the total differential torque on the basis of the signals indicating the instantaneous linear speed of the vehicle (1), the torque applied to the handlebar (14) by the driver of the vehicle and the position of the handlebar (14), - calculating the motor torques to be supplied by each of the two electric motors on the basis of the torque to be supplied by the set of two electric motors and the total differential torque, - generating and transmitting, to the power supply control means for the motors, control signals which are necessary for the motor torques calculated to be supplied by the secondary electric motors. The invention also relates to a corresponding computer program and vehicle.