Inertial bank angle sensor

Abstract

In order to determine the direction and degree of bank of a motorcycle, a flywheel or other weight balanced at its center of mass is mounted on the motorcycle so that it is free to rotate about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle. As the vehicle banks, the flywheel will tend to maintain its position, and the angle of bank can be ascertained by measuring the direction and degree of rotation between the plane of the motorcycle and the flywheel. Measurement of flywheel rotation is obtained by means of an electromagnetic or electro-optical scanner. Because of friction and vibration, however, the flywheel position will drift relative to the horizon, rendering the angle measurement inaccurate. Therefore it is necessary to correct for flywheel drift periodically whenever the vehicle is upright or normal to the road surface. The zero bank angle, or upright position, for the motorcycle is determined by one or more distance sensors, or by detecting a zero steering angle, using a suitable rotary switch between the frame and the fork assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.