Single-track vehicle with foot pedal feedback and inertial force limiters
US6006849A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 11, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 11, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62H1/12
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A single track vehicle having a foot pedal lever activated side wheel extension/retraction mechanism is fitted with a hydraulic system for responding to excessive feedback force imparted to the driver's leg via the foot pedal. The system includes a normally open needle valve installed mechanically in line with a linear actuator to sense the magnitude of the feedback force to the driver's feet. If the feedback force exceeds the amount the driver can counter comfortably, the needle valve is closed as a result of the opposing force vectors between the loaded side wheel and the driver's feet. The system further includes an inertially activated hydraulic valve installed on the vehicle frame. In the event of a head-on crash, the valve closes, freezing a gas strut and thereby holding the foot pedal lever in the aft position, preventing injury to the driver.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.