Active Three-Wheeler Roll-Over Control Using Sensor-Driven Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Three-wheeled vehicles, commonly used in developing countries, face safety concerns due to imbalance from heavy loads and high-speed driving, which increases the risk of toppling, and existing safety features are not adequately implemented due to technical and functional differences from four-wheelers.
Innovation Solution
An active roll-over prevention device for three-wheeled vehicles, comprising a controller connected to sensors for detecting roll-over conditions and actuators to regulate engine fuel supply, steering, and differential torque distribution to prevent rollovers, using a controller connected to load, speed, and acceleration sensors to activate throttle, steering, and differential actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anti-roll safety features are implemented in three-wheeled vehicles, then safety and stability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent sensors (load sensor, speed sensor, steering angle sensor) and a central controller, allowing the system to detect and respond to specific roll-over conditions without requiring a completely complex integrated system. This modular approach improves safety while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical anti-roll structures with an electronic control system that uses sensors and actuators to actively prevent roll-overs. The controller electronically monitors vehicle conditions and activates actuators (throttle, steering, differential) to counteract roll-over tendencies, substituting mechanical prevention with electronic control.
2Reliability
If anti-roll safety features are implemented in three-wheeled vehicles, then safety and stability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it processes data from various sensors, determines roll-over risk, and controls multiple actuators (throttle actuator, steering actuator, differential actuator). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing vehicle components (engine control system, steering system, differential system) and integrates the anti-roll function into these existing systems. By leveraging already-present infrastructure rather than adding entirely new independent systems, the manufacturing cost is reduced while still achieving safety improvements.
3Quantity of substance
If the vehicle is heavily loaded, then cargo capacity is improved, but vehicle stability deteriorates and roll-over risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load sensor detects heavy loading conditions in advance, and the controller proactively adjusts vehicle parameters (fuel supply, steering assistance, torque distribution) before a roll-over event occurs. This preliminary detection and adjustment allow the vehicle to maintain stability even when heavily loaded, enabling higher cargo capacity without sacrificing safety.
4Productivity
If the vehicle is driven at high speed, then productivity is improved, but roll-over risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The speed sensor continuously provides feedback on vehicle speed to the controller. When high speed is detected, the controller adjusts fuel supply and torque distribution to maintain stable handling characteristics. This feedback loop allows the vehicle to operate at high speeds for improved productivity while the system continuously monitors and adjusts to prevent roll-overs, maintaining safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses an active roll-over prevention device (100) for a three-wheeled vehicle. The device (100) comprises a controller (10) which is adapted to detect the possibility of an over-roll condition based on a signal from one or more sensors (12, 14, 6, 18) such as a load sensor (12) placed proximate to the one shock absorber or an acceleration sensor (16). The controller (10) drives one or more actuators (20, 22, 24) such as a throttle actuator (20), and a steering actuator (22), to prevent the roll-over condition of the three-wheeled vehicle.