WO2014009941A1

WO2014009941A1 - Automatic motorcycle break-in apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2014009941A1
Application number: PCT/IL2012/050247
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gihleb ABDOL SALAM
Original assignee: Abdol Salam Gihleb
Priority date: 2012-07-12
Filing date: 2012-07-12
Publication date: 2014-01-16

Abstract

An automatic break-in apparatus for a motorized two- wheeled vehicle, the apparatus comprising: a throttle control unit employing a throttle grasp unit for gripping the throttle handle of said vehicle for varying a speed of the vehicle; a roller for applying a resistance to a drive wheel of the vehicle; a controller for controlling a resistance of said roller; and a computing unit for controlling said throttle control unit and said controller for emulating road conditions.

Description

AUTOMATIC MOTORCYCLE BREAK-IN APPAEATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of motorized two-wheeled vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for automatically breaking in a motorized two-wheeled vehicle.

Background of the Invention

Break-in or breaking in is a procedure of conditioning a new piece of equipment by giving it an initial period of running, usually under light load, but sometimes under heavy load or normal load. It is generally a process of moving parts wearing against each other to produce a small size and/or shape adjustment that will settle them into a stable relationship for the rest of their working life.

New motorized vehicles, including two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles and scooters, are generally recommended to undergo breaking in during which the moving parts, particularly in the engine although possibly in other assemblies in the vehicle, adjust to their position in the assembly. Some examples of these moving parts include pistons, rings, valves, bearings, gears, pulleys, and the like. For convenience hereinafter, any motorized two-wheeled vehicle, including motorcycle and scooter, will be referred to a "motorcycle". Breaking in a new motorcycle, or a new or overhauled engine installed in a motorcycle, generally involves driving over a distance between 500— 1000 Km while exposing the motor to break-in conditions specified by the manufacturer. These break-in conditions include speed and engine load (RPM — revolutions per minute), and may include maintaining or varying these conditions over the distance travelled, possibly including increasing and decreasing them in a cyclical manner and/or randomly. For example, the break-in conditions may specify a 1000 Km drive, the first 300 Km at a speed between 30 - 40 KPH (kilometers per hour) and at a load of 2500 RPM, the next 200 Km increasing the speed to between 70— 80 KPH at a load of 3500 RPM, and then alternating every 100 Km between the mentioned speeds while at a load of 3000 RPM. Exceeding the specified speed and/or load conditions may result in damage to the moving parts, reducing the lifetime of the engine and of the motorcycle.

In an engine, a cylinder wall is not perfectly smooth and may include some roughness to help oil adhesion. During break-in, piston travel inside the cylinder slightly wears down the piston ring adjusting it to the roughness of the cylinder wall. This results in the piston ring forming a seal between the piston and cylinder wall. If the engine is subject to excessive speed and/or loading conditions, the piston ring may grind too deeply against the cylinder wall, and may be excessively worn down, possibly reducing the lifetime of the engine.

Frequently, break-in of a motorcycle is left to a user of the motorcycle to carry out. A potential drawback is that the user may not be aware of the manufacturer specified break-in conditions and may, as a result, exceed these conditions while driving the motorcycle. Another potential drawback is that conforming to the manufacturers specified break-in conditions may require from the user to pay particular attention to the gauges in the motorcycle while driving, possibly distracting the user from paying attention to other vehicles in the vicinity and posing an accident risk to himself and to the motorcycle.

One method to eliminate the mentioned drawbacks includes using a motorcycle dynamometer for breaking in the motorcycle. The motorcycle dynamometer is an apparatus used for measuring the power or torque produced by the motorcycle. The dynamometer generally includes a roller which is placed under the rear wheel of the motorcycle and allows the wheel to spin while the motorcycle is maintained stationary and is operated by a driver. The roller wheel may exert a resistive force on the wheel power (brake dynamometer) or may spin relatively freely with the wheel (inertial dynamometer). A problem with using the dynamometer for breaking in the motorcycle is that the driver must ride the motorcycle during break-in, which may be a relatively lengthy and time-consuming process.

US3940978, to Akkerman et al, and JP2009186377, to Iwamoto Tadamitsu, are considered as the closest prior art.

US3940978 discloses a "Dynamometer apparatus for measuring the performance of a wheeled vehicle comprising: a support assembly on which the vehicle may be supported; power absorption apparatus mounted on the support assembly for engagement with at least one wheel of the vehicle; a pump connected to the power absorption apparatus for producing a fluid pressure in response to the torque produced by the vehicle wheel! speed measuring apparatus mounted on the support for engagement with the vehicle wheel to indicate the surface speed thereof! and indicator apparatus connected to the pump and the speed measuring apparatus for correlating fluid pressure and surface speed with the performance of the vehicle."

JP2009186377, to Iwamoto Tadamitsu, discloses a "bench performance testing device 1 tests the performance of the engine 2 for the motorcycle, having a clutch 3, a transmission 4, and a throttle valve 5. The bench performance testing device includes a dynamometer 9 for charging the load on the engine 2 for the motorcycle! a clutch operation motor 63 for operating the clutch 3! a shift operation motor 64 for operating the transmission 4! a throttle operation motor 65 for operating the throttle valve 5! a storage device 8 storing driving data 80, related to the operation with the clutch 3, transmission 4! and throttle valve 5 by a rider during the actual travel, and a controller 7 for controlling the clutch operation motor 63, shift operation motor 64, and throttle operation motor 65 based on the driving data 80."

All the methods described above have not yet provided satisfactory solutions to the problem of breaking in a motorcycle without requiring the intervention of a motorcycle rider and which may be time consuming and may pose a risk to both the equipment and the driver.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the above-mentioned and other problems of the prior art. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention provides for an automatic break-in apparatus for a motorized two-wheeled vehicle comprising a throttle control unit for varying a speed of the vehicle, a roller for applying a resistance to a drive wheel of the vehicle, a controller for controlling a resistance of the roller, and a computing unit for controlling the throttle control unit and the controller.

In some exemplary embodiments, the throttle control unit includes a throttle grip unit for attaching to a throttle on the vehicle.

In some exemplary embodiments, the throttle control unit includes a throttle motor.

In some exemplary embodiments, the throttle control unit includes a throttle transmission.

In some exemplary embodiments, the break-in apparatus includes a hydraulic pump connected to the roller for increasing and decreasing a rotational resistance of the roller.

In some exemplary embodiments, the break-in apparatus includes a belt and pulley system for connecting the roller and the hydraulic pump.

In some exemplary embodiments, the break-in apparatus includes including a valve for regulating a fluid flow from the hydraulic pump. In some exemplary embodiments, the controller controls a rotation of the roller by regulating a fluid flow through a valve.

In some exemplary embodiments, the break-in apparatus includes a display.

In some exemplary embodiments, the computing unit includes break-in data from a manufacturer of the two- wheeled vehicle.

In some exemplary embodiments, the break-in data is downloaded from the Internet.

In some exemplary embodiments, the computing unit communicates with the throttle unit and the controller through wireless means.

In some exemplary embodiments, the computing unit communicates with the throttle unit and the controller through wired means.

The foregoing embodiments of the invention are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems and methods thereof, which are meant to be merely illustrative, and not limiting.

Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments and features of the present invention are described herein in conjunction with the following drawings^

Figure 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an automatic motorcycle break-in apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic throttle control unit, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the roller and the roller drive mechanism, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the automatic motorcycle break-in apparatus including a computing unit with Internet connection, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present invention will be understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which are meant to be descriptive and not limiting. For the sake of brevity, some well-known features, methods, systems, procedures, components, circuits, and so on, are not described in detail.

An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to an apparatus for automatically performing break-in on a motorcycle. The apparatus is adapted to automatically operate a motorcycle according to the motorcycle's manufacturer specified break-in conditions. Optionally, the apparatus operates the motorcycle according to specified break-in conditions other than that of the manufacturer, for example, as specified by a motorcycle vendor or a motorcycle mechanic, among others.

In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus includes an automatic throttle control unit for automatically operating a throttle on the motorcycle for adjusting the motorcycle's speed and load according to the specified break-in conditions. Optionally, the throttle control unit includes a throttle grip which attaches to the throttle and moves the throttle. Optionally, throttle grip movement is by means of a drive mechanism including a motor and a transmission, responsive to signaling received from a computing unit controlling the automatic throttle control unit. Optionally, the automatic throttle control unit includes a throttle controller which controls the motor and communicates with the computing unit.

In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus includes a roller located under a drive wheel of the motorcycle for applying a resistance to the drive wheel. Optionally, the drive wheel is a rear wheel of the motorcycle. The applied resistance enables the motorcycle to reach the specified break- in load conditions, which serve to simulate motorcycle operation in real road conditions. For example, an increased resistance applied by the roller may simulate uphill travel while a decreased resistance may simulate downhill travel.

In some exemplary embodiments, the resistance of the roller is adjusted by a controller-based roller drive system. Optionally, the roller drive system is an electro-hydraulic system and includes a pump mechanically attached to the roller. Optionally, a drive system controller controls fluid flow in the system through a valve for increasing or decreasing pumping pressure and the resistance applied to the roller. Optionally, increasing and decreasing the pumping pressure in the hydraulic pump increases and decreases, respectively, the resistance of the roller. Optionally, the drive system controller is responsive to signaling from the computing unit. Optionally, the valve is controlled by the computing unit. Alternatively, the resistance of the roller is adjusted by an electrical roller drive system. Optionally, the electrical roller drive system includes a motor mechanically attached to the roller. Alternatively, the resistance is adjusted by a hydraulic roller drive system.

In some exemplary embodiments, the computing unit controls the automatic throttle control unit and/or the drive system controller based on data input to the computing unit. For example, the computing unit signals the automatic throttle unit for moving the throttle grip unit and thereby the throttle according to a specified speed, and/or signals the drive system controller for adjusting the pressure to increase or decrease resistance in the roller according to the load data. Optionally, the computing unit is a personal computer, a portable computer, a mainframe computer, a work station, or any other data processing known in the art suitable for data entry and for control of automatic throttle control unit and/or the drive system controller. Optionally, communication between the computing unit and the throttle control unit and/or the drive system controller is through a wired link. Optionally, the communication is through a wireless link. Optionally, the data includes the specified break-in conditions. In some exemplary embodiments, the data is input by an operator of the apparatus. Optionally, the data is downloaded from the Internet, for example, from a website of the manufacturer of the motorcycle or from another source of the data. Optionally, the data is downloaded real-time before or during the break-in, and/or periodically. Optionally, the data is stored in a memory.

In some exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a display for displaying measurements recorded during the break-in. Optionally, the measurements are displayed real^¬ time. Optionally, the measurements include motorcycle speed, engine speed, RPM, among others. Optionally, the specified break-in conditions are displayed. Optionally, the apparatus includes a printer for printing displayed data. Optionally, the displayed data is stored in a memory of the computing unit. Optionally, the displayed data is sent to the manufacturer and/or other party which may find the information useful through the Internet or other communication network.

In some exemplary embodiments, the apparatus includes a source of fuel for supplying fuel to the motorcycle during break-in. Optionally, the source is a fuel tank/container. Optionally, a fuel pipe connects the fuel source to the motorcycle's fuel tank. Optionally, the apparatus includes a fuel sensing unit for monitoring fuel in the motorcycle.

In some exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes an automatic transmission control unit for automatically changing gears in the motorcycle during breaking in. Optionally, the automatic transmission control unit includes a mechanical interface for attaching to the motorcycle's clutch for operating the clutch. Optionally, the automatic transmission control unit is controlled by the computing unit or a local controller in signal communication with the computing unit. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus includes an automatic brake control unit for automatically operating the brakes in the motorcycle. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus includes a pipe attachable to the motorcycles exhaust for transporting exhaust fumes directly from the exhaust to the ambient outside the premises. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus includes an engine temperature sensor and a mechanism for cooling the engine should the temperature monitored by the sensor rise above a predetermined level. Optionally, the predetermined temperature level is included in the specified break-in conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus includes a sensor for monitoring normal engine operation and/or detecting abnormal engine operation or failure. Optionally, all sensors are connected to the computing unit for data collection, analysis, or for responsive action to be taken by the computing unit, or any combination thereof.

Reference is made to Figure 1 which schematically illustrates a perspective view of an automatic motorcycle break-in apparatus 10 for breaking in a motorcycle 21 including an engine 24, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Motorcycle 21 may include any motorcycle or scooter commercially available or custom-made.

In some exemplary embodiments, apparatus 10 includes a platform 12 with a roller 14 onto which a motorcycle 21 is mounted for breaking in. Motorcycle 21 is placed on platform 12 in a direction such that roller 14 is under the motorcycle's drive wheel, for example rear wheel 26, the roller for applying a resistance to the drive wheel as the rear wheel spins on the roller. Optionally, the resistance applied by roller 14 to rear wheel 26 is according to specified load conditions. Optionally, roller 14 spins together with rear wheel 26. Optionally, motorcycle 21 is stationary during breaking in, and is vertically supported by a belt 34.

In some exemplary embodiments, apparatus 10 includes an automatic throttle control unit 32 which attaches to a throttle 25 on motorcycle 21. Throttle control unit 32 manipulates throttle 25 for increasing and/or decreasing a speed (power) of engine 24. Optionally, throttle control unit 32 manipulates throttle 25 according to specified speed and load conditions. Optionally, throttle control unit 32 is controlled by a computing unit 80 included in apparatus 10. Optionally, computing unit 80 processes data associated with the specified speed and load conditions.

Reference is now also made to Figure 2 which schematically illustrates a perspective view of automatic throttle control unit 32, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In some exemplary embodiments, throttle control unit 32 includes a throttle motor 44 in signal communication with computing unit 80, a throttle transmission 46 driven by the throttle motor, and a throttle grip unit 50 attached to the transmission through a pivot pin 48. Throttle motor 44 is operated by signals received from computing unit 80 and, responsively, through throttle transmission 46 rotates throttle grip unit 50 in a clockwise direction and/or counterclockwise direction.

In some exemplary embodiments, throttle grip unit 50 includes a throttle grip chamber 60 and a cover 54. Optionally, cover 54 is attached to throttle grip unit 50 by a hinge 52, the cover secured shut by fasteners 56 and 58. Optionally, fasteners 56 and 58 include mating male and female fasteners, and are manually secured and released. Optionally, use of a tool is required for securing and releasing fasteners 56 and 58. Optionally, throttle 25 is fixedly secured inside throttle grip chamber 60, and rotates with throttle grip unit 50 for increasing and decreasing the speed of engine 24.

In some exemplary embodiment, automatic throttle control unit 32 is mounted on a post 36 and its height adjustable according to a height of throttle 25 in motorcycle 21. Optionally, the height is adjusted by releasing and securing height adjustment fasteners 38 on post 36. Optionally post 36 is attached to platform 12. Optionally, motor 44 and transmission 46 are attached to post 36 through a connector 40. Optionally, connector 40 is a ball joint connector allowing for adjusting a position of throttle grip unit 50 for accommodating throttle 25 regardless of its orientation relative to post 36. Optionally, ball joint connector 40 is locked in a fixed position by a locking fastener 42. Additionally or alternatively, post 36 is rotatable about its vertical axis for enabling connector 40 to accommodate throttle 25. Optionally, post 36 is pivotable relative to it vertical axis for accommodating throttle 25. In some exemplary embodiments, the resistance of roller 14 is controlled by an electro-hydraulic roller drive system 15 including a drive system controller 22. Reference is now also made to Figure 3 which schematically illustrates a perspective view of roller 14 and roller drive mechanism 15, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In some exemplary embodiments, roller drive system 15 includes a hydraulic pump 16 mechanically connected to roller 14 through a belt and pulley system having a first pulley 62 attached to the roller and a second pulley 66 attached to the pump. A drive belt 64 interconnects first pulley 62 and second pulley 66. Alternatively, the mechanical connection between roller 14 and pump 16 includes a gear arrangement.

In some exemplary embodiments, roller drive system 15 includes a valve 70 connected to an electric motor 20. Motor 20 variably opens and closes valve 70 responsive to control signals received from drive system controller 22. Optionally, opening and closing of valve 70 adjusts a fluid flow through roller drive system 15 varying a pressure output of pump 16. Optionally, controller 22 translates signals associated with the load conditions and received from computing unit 80 into the control signals.

The following is a description of an exemplary operation of roller drive system 15 for controlling the resistance applied by roller 14 to rear wheel 26, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Optionally, roller drive system 15 is a closed-loop electro-hydraulic system. It should be evident to an ordinary person skilled in the art that roller drive system 15 may be implemented in other ways, for example, as an electrical system with motors driving the belt and pulley system or, optionally, the gear arrangement. Optionally, controller 22 may be a hydraulic controller which directly controls valve 70 instead of using electric motor 20.

In some exemplary embodiments, pump 16 is driven by the rotation of roller 14 as rear wheel 26 spins due to the operation of engine 24. Hydraulic fluid is pumped from pump 16 through a fluid outlet pipe 68, through valve 70, and returns to the pump through a fluid inlet pipe 72.

In some exemplary embodiments, partially closing valve

70 reduces fluid flow from pump 16 forcing the pump to rotate at a lower speed. This results in a braking action on roller 14, increasing the resistance applied by the roller on rear wheel 26. Alternatively, opening valve 70 increases fluid flow from pump 16 allow the pump to rotate at a greater speed. This reduces the braking action of pump 16 on roller 14, and reduces the resistance applied by the roller on the wheel.

In some exemplary embodiments, roller drive system 15 is initially calibrated so that fluid flow through valve 70 results in pump 16 rotating at a speed commensurate with roller 14 applying a resistance to rear wheel 26 substantially equal to that of traveling on a flat horizontal pavement. Optionally, controller 22, according to load condition data received from computing unit 80, sends control signals to electric motor 20 for opening or closing the valve for increasing fluid flow or reducing fluid flow through roller drive system 15. For example, for increased load conditions requiring higher RPM such as when going uphill, controller 22 sends control signals to motor 20 for further closing valve 70 and reducing fluid flow. Alternatively, for reduced load conditions requiring lower RPM such as when going downhill, controller sends signals to motor 20 for further opening valve 70 and increasing fluid flow.

In some exemplary embodiments, apparatus 10 includes a display 28 for displaying the specified break-in conditions input to computing unit 80. Optionally, display 28 displays measurements recorded during break-in from one or more sensors attached to motorcycle 21. Optionally, other suitable data may be displayed, including date, time optionally including starting time, kilometers travelled, among other data. In some exemplary embodiments, apparatus includes a printer 30 for printing some, optionally all, of the data displayed on display 28. Optionally, other suitable data may be printed out on printer 30, including a certificate of completion of break-in.

Reference is now also made to Figure 4 which schematically illustrates a perspective view of automatic motorcycle break-in apparatus 10 including computing unit 80 having connection to the Internet 82, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Optionally, computing unit 10 accesses the Internet for downloading break-in data 84 and/or for updating existing break-in data stored in the computing unit. Optionally, computing unit 10 accesses other sources of break-in data through the Internet 82. Optionally, computing unit 80 uploads break-in measurement data and/or other suitable data through the Internet 82 to manufacturer's website 84. In some exemplary embodiments, computing unit 80 access to the Internet 84 is through a wireless network. Optionally, the access is through a wired network.

In some exemplary embodiments, computing unit 80 communication with any one or any combination of the components of apparatus 10, for example display 28, printer 30, drive system controller 22, and automatic throttle control unit 32 is through a wired connection 78. Optionally, the connection is through a wireless connection. Alternatively, the connection includes both wired connection 78 and a wireless connection.

In some exemplary embodiments, apparatus 10 includes a fuel tank 31 for supplying fuel to motorcycle 21 during break-in. Optionally, fuel tank 31 connects to a fuel tank (not shown) of motorcycle 21 through a fuel pipe 33. Optionally, fuel tank 31 may connect directly to engine 24. Optionally, fuel tank 31 supplies fuel when a fuel level in motorcycle 21 reaches a predetermined low level.

As such, the prior art deals with bench performance of a motorcycle rather than with breaking in the motorcycle, as the resent invention.

Furthermore, the prior art doesn't show nor implies a throttle control unit employing a throttle grasp unit for gripping the throttle handle of a motorcycle for varying a speed thereof.

Furthermore, the prior art doesn't show nor implies a roller for applying a resistance to a drive wheel of a motorcycle. In the figures and/or description herein, the following reference numerals have been mentioned:

DESCRIPTION NO. automatic motorcycle break-in

apparatus 10

platform 12 roller 14

electro-hydraulic system 15

hydraulic pump 16

valve 18

electric motor 20

drive system controller 22

motorcycle motor 24

throttle 25

motorcycle wheel 26

display 28

printer 30

fuel tank 31

automatic throttle control unit 32

fuel pipe 33

belt 34

post 36

height adjustment fastener 38

j oint / b all j oint 40

locking screw / fastener 42

throttle motor 44 throttle transmission 46

throttle pivot 48

throttle grip unit 50

hinge 52

cover 54

fastener 56

fastener 58 throttle grip chamber 60

first pulley 62

drive belt 64

second pulley 66

fluid outlet pipe 68

valve 70

fluid inlet pipe 72

wired connection 78

computer 80

Internet 82

manufacturer website 84

The foregoing description and illustrations of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the above description in any form.

Any term that has been defined above and used in the claims, should to be interpreted according to this definition.

Claims

What is claimed is^

CLAIMS 1. An automatic break-in apparatus for a motorized two- wheeled vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

a throttle control unit employing a throttle grasp unit for gripping the throttle handle of said vehicle for varying a speed of the vehicle;

a roller for applying a resistance to a drive wheel of the vehicle;

a controller for controlling a resistance of said roller; and a computing unit for controlling said throttle control unit and said controller for emulating road conditions.

2. A break-in apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a belt (34) for applying force on said vehicle towards said drive wheel, for vertically supporting said vehicle.

3. A break-in apparatus according claim 1 wherein said throttle control unit includes a throttle motor.

4. A break-in apparatus according to any of claim 1, wherein said throttle control unit includes a throttle transmission.

5. A break-in apparatus according to any of claim 1, further including a hydraulic pump connected to said roller for increasing and decreasing a rotational resistance of said roller.

6. A break-in apparatus according to claim 5, further including a belt and pulley system for connecting said roller and said hydraulic pump.

7. A break-in apparatus according to claim 5, further including a hydraulic valve for regulating a hydraulic fluid flow from said hydraulic pump.

8. A break-in apparatus according to claim 6, further including a hydraulic valve for regulating a hydraulic fluid flow from said hydraulic pump.

9. A break-in apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said controller controls a rotation of said roller by regulating a hydraulic fluid flow through a hydraulic valve.

10. A break-in apparatus according to any of claim 1, further including a display.

11. A break-in apparatus according to any of claim 1, wherein said computing unit includes break-in data from a manufacturer of the two-wheeled vehicle.

12. A break-in apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said break-in data is downloaded from the Internet.

13. A break-in apparatus according to any of claim 1, wherein said computing unit communicates with said throttle unit and said controller through wireless means.

14. A break-in apparatus according to any of claim 1, wherein said computing unit communicates with said throttle unit and said controller through wired means.