WO2014116092A1 - A system and a method for control of motorcycle suspension - Google Patents

A system and a method for control of motorcycle suspension Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014116092A1
WO2014116092A1 PCT/LV2014/000001 LV2014000001W WO2014116092A1 WO 2014116092 A1 WO2014116092 A1 WO 2014116092A1 LV 2014000001 W LV2014000001 W LV 2014000001W WO 2014116092 A1 WO2014116092 A1 WO 2014116092A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
actuator
rider
front wheel
suspension
wheel suspension
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/LV2014/000001
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Maris Ralfs MUNDI
Original Assignee
Mundi Maris Ralfs
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mundi Maris Ralfs filed Critical Mundi Maris Ralfs
Priority to EP14742994.8A priority Critical patent/EP2948364B1/en
Publication of WO2014116092A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014116092A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
    • B60G17/016—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input
    • B60G17/0162—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input mainly during a motion involving steering operation, e.g. cornering, overtaking
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/015—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements
    • B60G17/016—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input
    • B60G17/0164—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load the regulating means comprising electric or electronic elements characterised by their responsiveness, when the vehicle is travelling, to specific motion, a specific condition, or driver input mainly during accelerating or braking
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/02—Spring characteristics, e.g. mechanical springs and mechanical adjusting means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G17/00—Resilient suspensions having means for adjusting the spring or vibration-damper characteristics, for regulating the distance between a supporting surface and a sprung part of vehicle or for locking suspension during use to meet varying vehicular or surface conditions, e.g. due to speed or load
    • B60G17/06—Characteristics of dampers, e.g. mechanical dampers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K23/00—Rider-operated controls specially adapted for cycles, i.e. means for initiating control operations, e.g. levers, grips
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K23/00—Rider-operated controls specially adapted for cycles, i.e. means for initiating control operations, e.g. levers, grips
    • B62K23/08—Rider-operated controls specially adapted for cycles, i.e. means for initiating control operations, e.g. levers, grips foot actuated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • B62K25/06—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms
    • B62K25/08—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with telescopic fork, e.g. including auxiliary rocking arms for front wheel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
    • B60G2300/12—Cycles; Motorcycles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2400/00—Indexing codes relating to detected, measured or calculated conditions or factors
    • B60G2400/90—Other conditions or factors
    • B60G2400/96—Presence, absence or inactivity of driver
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • B62K2025/044—Suspensions with automatic adjustment
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K25/00—Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • B62K2025/048—Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork with suspension manual adjustment details

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system and a method for improving handling characteristics of a motorcycle in braking and/or cornering, especially for controlling front suspension characteristics.
  • the prior art proposes various systems and methods that include a means for automatically controlling motorcycle suspension characteristics.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,360,148 describes an apparatus that can automatically sense the magnitude of at least one electrical input signal, automatically process each input signal through a microprocessor and associated software algorithm to determine an optimum damping rate, and automatically generate an electrical output signal corresponding to the optimum damping rate.
  • the output signal is configured for communication with a hydraulic damper having means for automatically controlling the damping rate according to an electrical signal.
  • Electrical input signals correspond to variables including engine speed, wheel speed, throttle position, vehicle operator position, and suspension position.
  • U.S Patent No. 6,876,909 describes an ECU (electronic control unit) of an ECS (electronically controlled suspension) apparatus has a determination block for determining whether the TPS (throttle position sensor) signal rises to be greater than a first reference value and for determining whether the TPS signal declines to be less than a second reference value; and a damper control block, which adjusts a damping force of the front damper according to the determination result.
  • the damper control block sets the front damper into a hard rebound mode when the determination block determines that the TPS signal rises to be greater than the first reference value, and then the damper control block sets the front damper into a hard compression mode when the determination block determines that the TPS signal declines to become less than the second reference value.
  • a goal of the invention is to provide control system for a front wheel suspension of a motorcycle that can operate in an ergonomieally favourable manner and be controlled directly by the rider during the riding, especially during heavy braking or cornering.
  • This goal is achieved by designing a system for controlling motorcycle front suspension that includes front wheel suspension constituted by fork, comprising at least one spring and at least one damper, and a wheel.
  • Said control system also comprises an adjusting mechanism operable to change the stiffness and/or damping characteristics of the front wheel suspension.
  • the front suspension control device further comprises an actuator disposed at one side of the motorcycle in proximity of rider's knee and operatively connected to the adjusting mechanism.
  • the actuator is configured to be manually controlled by the rider's knee, in result of which the stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of the front wheel suspension can be controlled.
  • the actuator can be arranged on a fuel tank or on a frame of the motorcycle. The main feature is that the actuator shall be arranged so that it can be reached by the rider's knee.
  • Said system can be used to control stiffness as well as dampening characteristics of a motorcycle.
  • Stiffness can be controlled by changing performance characteristics of a spring.
  • Dampening can be controlled by changing performance characteristics of a damper.
  • Said control can be achieved by use of a adjusting mechanism or directly by the actuator.
  • the system comprises a knee support member disposed at a side of a fuel tank or a frame of the motorcycle in proximity of rider's knee, and said actuator is installed in a knee support member and operatively connected to the adjusting mechanism.
  • knee support member and the actuator are disposed in ergonomically favourable position on the motorcycle for controlling a front wheel suspension.
  • Rider controls the stiffness and/or damping of the front wheel suspension independently from any other control means (brake lever and/or pedal; gas control) by using his/her knee.
  • the knee support member with the actuator is installed on each side of the fuel tank so that for each rider's knee there is one knee support member and the actuator.
  • the actuator can be a pedal driven master cylinder hydraulically connected to the adjusting mechanism of the front wheel suspension.
  • the actuator can be pneumatic or mechanical mechanism.
  • the actuator can be a pedal driven potentiometer electrically connected to the adjusting mechanism of the front wheel suspension.
  • the pedal driven potentiometer can be replaced by a knob, a lever or piezometer element.
  • the actuator is a means adapted to receive an input from the rider's knee and transfer said input to the adjusting mechanism or directly to the front wheel suspension.
  • the actuator can be directly connected to the front wheel suspension omitting the adjusting mechanism.
  • the front wheel suspension is designed to comprise a means that can change the stiffness and/or dampening of suspension directly using commands from the actuator.
  • each actuator can comprise at least two control buttons or levers, where each button or lever works in different predetermined way.
  • One button or lever can be responsible for changing the stiffness and/or dampening of suspension in on/off regime, but another one can be responsible for changing the stiffness and/or dampening of suspension gradually.
  • Invention also includes a method for controlling the stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of a front wheel using the adjusting mechanisms and especially the actuator and its knee support member.
  • a rider controllably pushes its knee against the knee support member, and if the rider feels that stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of the front wheel suspension should be changed then rider also pushes its knee against the actuator, which in turn via the adjusting mechanism controls the stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of the front wheel suspension.
  • Said stiffness and/or dampening of suspension can be controlled in different regimes.
  • One type of control can work in on/off regime, but another one can work by gradually changing the stiffness and/or dampening of suspension, making it harder or softer.
  • the motorcycle front suspension stiffness and/or damping control can be operable in an ergonomically favourable manner; and be controlled directly by the rider during the ride, especially during braking or heavy braking and cornering in extreme regimes. Very importantly, it is not controlled by rider's hands, and reduces load on rider's hands during braking, thus, reducing overall fatigue, risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and numerous other advantages. Additionally a rider can choose not to activate the front wheel suspension system due to configuration of a corner or due to road conditions, but nevertheless use ergonomic advantages of previously described knee support - therefore decreasing a force acting on hands of the rider due to weight transfer to the hands.
  • the drawings are as follows: the motorcycle front suspension stiffness and/or damping control can be operable in an ergonomically favourable manner; and be controlled directly by the rider during the ride, especially during braking or heavy braking and cornering in extreme regimes. Very importantly, it is not controlled by rider's hands, and reduces load on rider's hands during braking, thus, reducing overall fatigue, risk
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a motorcycle comprising a knee support member 10 and an actuator 20.
  • the actuator 20 via the knee support member 10 is mounted on a fuel tank 7.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention where the actuator 20 is a pedal driven master cylinder 21 hydraulically connected to an adjusting mechanism 6 of the front wheel suspension 1. Said elements are shown schematically.
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a motorcycle with installed knee support member 10 on fuel tank 7 in proximity of intended position for rider's 9 knees 8.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a motorcycle in another view showing both knee support members 10 on each side of a fuel tank 7, as well as actuators on each knee support member 10.
  • a system for controlling a motorcycle front suspension comprising a front wheel suspension 1 comprising fork 2 and a wheel 5 and an adjusting mechanism 6 adapted to change the stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of a front wheel suspension 1.
  • the system further comprises an actuator 20 installed on a side of a bike near the rider's 9 knee 8 position.
  • the actuator 20 is operatively connected to the adjusting mechanism 6, and is configured to be controlled by the rider's 9 knee 8, in result of which the stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of the front wheel suspension 1 can be changed.
  • the actuator 20 is installed in a knee support member 10, which in turn is attached to a fuel tank 7 of the motorcycle.
  • the actuator 20 is pedal driven master cylinder 21, which is hydraulically connected to an adjusting mechanism 6 of the front wheel suspension 1. Said embodiment is shown in Fig. 2.
  • the rider 9 depending on his/her considerations, pushes its knee 8 against the actuator 20 and therefor can control the stiffness of the front wheel suspension 1.
  • Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show preferred installation position for knee support member 10 and the actuators 20 that are installed on each knee support member 20.
  • the knee support members 20 are designed so as to be economically adapted for rider's 9 knee 8. Additionally, the knee support members 20 are designed so that they do not protrude outside motorcycle streamlined body.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Axle Suspensions And Sidecars For Cycles (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and a method for improving handling characteristics of a motorcycle in braking and/or cornering, especially for controlling characteristics of front suspension. The system comprises a front wheel suspension (1) having fork (2) and a wheel (5), and adjusting mechanism (6) adapted to change the stiffness and/or dampening of the front wheel suspension (1). The system further comprises an actuator (20) installed on a bike in a proximity of rider's knee and is operatively connected to the adjusting mechanism (6), wherein it is configured to be manually controlled by the rider's (9) knee (8), in result of which the stiffness characteristics of the front wheel suspension (1) can be controlled.

Description

A SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR CONTROL OF MOTORCYCLE
SUSPENSION Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a system and a method for improving handling characteristics of a motorcycle in braking and/or cornering, especially for controlling front suspension characteristics.
Background of the invention
The prior art proposes various systems and methods that include a means for automatically controlling motorcycle suspension characteristics.
U.S. Patent No. 6,360,148 describes an apparatus that can automatically sense the magnitude of at least one electrical input signal, automatically process each input signal through a microprocessor and associated software algorithm to determine an optimum damping rate, and automatically generate an electrical output signal corresponding to the optimum damping rate. The output signal is configured for communication with a hydraulic damper having means for automatically controlling the damping rate according to an electrical signal. Electrical input signals correspond to variables including engine speed, wheel speed, throttle position, vehicle operator position, and suspension position.
U.S Patent No. 6,876,909 describes an ECU (electronic control unit) of an ECS (electronically controlled suspension) apparatus has a determination block for determining whether the TPS (throttle position sensor) signal rises to be greater than a first reference value and for determining whether the TPS signal declines to be less than a second reference value; and a damper control block, which adjusts a damping force of the front damper according to the determination result. The damper control block sets the front damper into a hard rebound mode when the determination block determines that the TPS signal rises to be greater than the first reference value, and then the damper control block sets the front damper into a hard compression mode when the determination block determines that the TPS signal declines to become less than the second reference value.
Both previously described systems use electronic control without or minimal intervention from a racer. For racing riders such systems are considered to be quite confusing, because electronic systems work on their own algorithm and the rider itself cannot control them. During extreme modes this can raise confusion between the rider and motorcycle, which is not desirable during the racing or extreme driving. There have been researches and developments to design a suspension control system that can be controlled by the rider. Honda® introduced its TRAC system (Torque Reactive Anti-Dive Control) to cope with dive problems. Said anti-dive system was linked to the brake hydraulic system. TRAC system has a supplemental hydraulic cylinder mounted on the front of the fork legs, which was connected to both the brake lines and the hydraulic fluid inside the telescopic forks. The idea was that as rider applied the front brakes, this unit would use the pressure in the brake line against a plunger to close a control valve. This valve restricts the flow of fork oil and thus stiffness the front suspension. Stiffer front suspension means lesser dive. This was a way of affecting how much the anti-dive plunger moved, which meant the rider could make the anti-dive more or less severe. The disadvantage of the system was that during the braking on a bumpy surface, the front suspension stiffened up and all road bumps and deformities were transmitted up the now- stiffened suspension into the frame of the bike, and consequently, the rider. Said control of the suspension depends on brake lever movement by riders hand and cannot be controlled independently.
Objective and summary of the invention
A goal of the invention is to provide control system for a front wheel suspension of a motorcycle that can operate in an ergonomieally favourable manner and be controlled directly by the rider during the riding, especially during heavy braking or cornering.
This goal is achieved by designing a system for controlling motorcycle front suspension that includes front wheel suspension constituted by fork, comprising at least one spring and at least one damper, and a wheel. Said control system also comprises an adjusting mechanism operable to change the stiffness and/or damping characteristics of the front wheel suspension.
System according to the invention is characterized in that the front suspension control device further comprises an actuator disposed at one side of the motorcycle in proximity of rider's knee and operatively connected to the adjusting mechanism. The actuator is configured to be manually controlled by the rider's knee, in result of which the stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of the front wheel suspension can be controlled. The actuator can be arranged on a fuel tank or on a frame of the motorcycle. The main feature is that the actuator shall be arranged so that it can be reached by the rider's knee.
Said system can be used to control stiffness as well as dampening characteristics of a motorcycle. Stiffness can be controlled by changing performance characteristics of a spring. Dampening can be controlled by changing performance characteristics of a damper. Said control can be achieved by use of a adjusting mechanism or directly by the actuator.
Additionally the system comprises a knee support member disposed at a side of a fuel tank or a frame of the motorcycle in proximity of rider's knee, and said actuator is installed in a knee support member and operatively connected to the adjusting mechanism.
Thus the knee support member and the actuator are disposed in ergonomically favourable position on the motorcycle for controlling a front wheel suspension. Rider controls the stiffness and/or damping of the front wheel suspension independently from any other control means (brake lever and/or pedal; gas control) by using his/her knee.
The knee support member with the actuator is installed on each side of the fuel tank so that for each rider's knee there is one knee support member and the actuator.
In one embodiment the actuator can be a pedal driven master cylinder hydraulically connected to the adjusting mechanism of the front wheel suspension. The actuator can be pneumatic or mechanical mechanism. In other embodiment the actuator can be a pedal driven potentiometer electrically connected to the adjusting mechanism of the front wheel suspension. Such embodiment exploits elements used in drive-by-wire systems. The pedal driven potentiometer can be replaced by a knob, a lever or piezometer element. Generally, the actuator is a means adapted to receive an input from the rider's knee and transfer said input to the adjusting mechanism or directly to the front wheel suspension.
Further the actuator can be directly connected to the front wheel suspension omitting the adjusting mechanism. In this case the front wheel suspension is designed to comprise a means that can change the stiffness and/or dampening of suspension directly using commands from the actuator.
In another embodiment each actuator can comprise at least two control buttons or levers, where each button or lever works in different predetermined way. One button or lever can be responsible for changing the stiffness and/or dampening of suspension in on/off regime, but another one can be responsible for changing the stiffness and/or dampening of suspension gradually.
Invention also includes a method for controlling the stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of a front wheel using the adjusting mechanisms and especially the actuator and its knee support member. During the braking of the motorcycle a rider controllably pushes its knee against the knee support member, and if the rider feels that stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of the front wheel suspension should be changed then rider also pushes its knee against the actuator, which in turn via the adjusting mechanism controls the stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of the front wheel suspension. Said stiffness and/or dampening of suspension can be controlled in different regimes. One type of control can work in on/off regime, but another one can work by gradually changing the stiffness and/or dampening of suspension, making it harder or softer.
Advantages of said motorcycle suspension control system are as follows: the motorcycle front suspension stiffness and/or damping control can be operable in an ergonomically favourable manner; and be controlled directly by the rider during the ride, especially during braking or heavy braking and cornering in extreme regimes. Very importantly, it is not controlled by rider's hands, and reduces load on rider's hands during braking, thus, reducing overall fatigue, risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and numerous other advantages. Additionally a rider can choose not to activate the front wheel suspension system due to configuration of a corner or due to road conditions, but nevertheless use ergonomic advantages of previously described knee support - therefore decreasing a force acting on hands of the rider due to weight transfer to the hands. Brief description of the drawings
Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a motorcycle comprising a knee support member 10 and an actuator 20. The actuator 20 via the knee support member 10 is mounted on a fuel tank 7.
Fig. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention where the actuator 20 is a pedal driven master cylinder 21 hydraulically connected to an adjusting mechanism 6 of the front wheel suspension 1. Said elements are shown schematically. Fig. 3 illustrates a motorcycle with installed knee support member 10 on fuel tank 7 in proximity of intended position for rider's 9 knees 8.
Fig. 4 illustrates a motorcycle in another view showing both knee support members 10 on each side of a fuel tank 7, as well as actuators on each knee support member 10.
A system (see Fig 1.) for controlling a motorcycle front suspension comprising a front wheel suspension 1 comprising fork 2 and a wheel 5 and an adjusting mechanism 6 adapted to change the stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of a front wheel suspension 1. The system further comprises an actuator 20 installed on a side of a bike near the rider's 9 knee 8 position. The actuator 20 is operatively connected to the adjusting mechanism 6, and is configured to be controlled by the rider's 9 knee 8, in result of which the stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of the front wheel suspension 1 can be changed. In the given embodiment the actuator 20 is installed in a knee support member 10, which in turn is attached to a fuel tank 7 of the motorcycle. In other embodiment the actuator 20 is pedal driven master cylinder 21, which is hydraulically connected to an adjusting mechanism 6 of the front wheel suspension 1. Said embodiment is shown in Fig. 2. During the braking or cornering of the motorcycle the rider 9, depending on his/her considerations, pushes its knee 8 against the actuator 20 and therefor can control the stiffness of the front wheel suspension 1.
Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show preferred installation position for knee support member 10 and the actuators 20 that are installed on each knee support member 20. The knee support members 20 are designed so as to be economically adapted for rider's 9 knee 8. Additionally, the knee support members 20 are designed so that they do not protrude outside motorcycle streamlined body.

Claims

A system for controlling a motorcycle front suspension comprising:
- a front wheel suspension (1) comprising fork (2) and a wheel (5);
- an adjusting mechanism (6) adapted to change stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of a front wheel suspension (1);
wherein the system further comprises:
- an actuator (20) installed on a bike in proximity of rider's knee (8) and operatively is connected to the adjusting mechanism (6), wherein the actuator (20) is configured to be manually controlled by the rider's knee (8), in result of which the stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of the front wheel suspension (1) can be controlled.
The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (20) is installed on each side of the motorcycle so that for each rider's knee (8) there is one actuator (20).
The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuator (20) is installed on each side of a fuel tank (7) of the motorcycle so that for each rider's knee (8) there is one actuator (20).
The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the system further comprises a knee support member (10) on which the actuator (20) is installed.
The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuator (20) can be a pedal driven master cylinder (21) hydraulically connected to the adjusting mechanism (6) of the front wheel suspension (1).
The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the actuator (20) can be a pedal driven potentiometer (22) electrically connected to the adjusting mechanism (6) of the front wheel suspension (1). The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (20) is directly connected to the front wheel suspension (1).
Method for controlling a motorcycle front suspension according to any of the preceding claims wherein during the braking and/or cornering of the motorcycle if the rider (9) feels that stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of the front wheel suspension (1) should be changed, then the rider (9) controllably pushes one of its knees (8) against the actuator (20), which in turn via the adjusting mechanism (6) controls the stiffness and/or dampening characteristics of the front wheel suspension (1).
PCT/LV2014/000001 2013-01-28 2014-01-27 A system and a method for control of motorcycle suspension WO2014116092A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP14742994.8A EP2948364B1 (en) 2013-01-28 2014-01-27 A system and a method for control of motorcycle suspension

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LVP-13-14 2013-01-28
LVP-13-14A LV14894B (en) 2013-01-28 2013-01-28 System and method for control of motorcycle suspension

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US10336397B2 (en) 2014-12-29 2019-07-02 Peter Tristan Ridet System and method for dynamic motorcycle frame

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LV14894A (en) 2014-08-20
LV14894B (en) 2014-09-20

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