Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to stabilisation of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for stabilising a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, in most modern saddle type vehicles like motorcycle type or a scooter type vehicle, a user interface is provided to provide assist to the user for manoeuvring the vehicle in different terrains and riding conditions. The user interfaces are provided with the intent of allowing more comfort to the user rider by provision of a variety of control systems, by which user rider effort and inputs can be decreased. By provision of these automations, multiple control systems are made automatic by usage of simple automation systems by usage of which, more than one functions of the vehicle can be actuated. The existing user interfaces is complex because conventional architecture requires complicated algorithms and advanced sensors and actuators. Further, it is observed that the conventional assist system tends increase the force required to steer the vehicle under various operating conditions which can lead to safety concern and may cause discomfort during riding. Further, in case of sudden intervention of system while operating the vehicle can disbalance the vehicle especially for novice riders. Therefore, there is a need to provide an efficient assist system which can improve the riding comfort by balancing the vehicle at different speeds and terrains. More specially, in dense traffic like situation where it is difficult to balance the vehicle especially while taking turns like U turns etc, the need for such an assist system is felt even more.
[003] One specific problem that is faced during riding of the motorcycle type or scooter type vehicle, especially by elderly users or new users is during taking a turn that requires a specific handling and manoeuvring sequence involving brakes as well as the throttle. Elderly users or new users find it challenging to handle all the processes required at the same time to take such turns. For example, while taking turns, regulation of speed is required with a control on braking system, and also sometimes requiring clutch and gear control. Controlling of such a large number of inputs by the user is difficult and may sometimes lead to accidents or other unwanted circumstances for the user due to side slippage and instability. More specifically, while taking turns that are tight such as U-turn, it becomes even more difficult for these users to provide the necessary inputs for keeping the vehicle balanced while successfully taking the U-turn.
[004] There exist some conventional systems for turn assist, in which some assistance is provided to the user for taking the turn, but due to a large number of two-wheeler variations, the parameters and variables of all these systems are different. Thus, a single system cannot be adapted to a variety of vehicles. Most conventional systems are complicated and rely on ABS control for controlling the braking, but these systems are limited only to vehicles that have ABS and cannot be applied to vehicles not having ABS. Further, other systems rely on expensive inertial measurement units (IMU) for detection of roll angle and yaw angle of the vehicle for stabilising the vehicle, which is not only complex but also increases the costs associated with the vehicle. Reliance on an IMU not only limits these systems to expensive vehicles with the IMU, but addition of the IMU also increases weight of the vehicle and is also difficult to package in the limited packaging space of the vehicle.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system and method for stabilising a vehicle, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for a system for stabilising a vehicle. The system has one or more vehicle sensors configured to detect one or more vehicle parameters. The one or more vehicle parameters include a first parameter and a set of second parameters. Further, one or more actuators are configured to control one or more operating parameters of the vehicle. Further, control unit is configured to receive the one or more vehicle parameters from the one or more vehicle sensors; determine whether the first parameter is lower than a first predetermined value; determine whether the set of second parameters are greater than a set of second predetermined values, if the first parameter is lower than the first predetermined value; and operate the one or more actuators for controlling the one or more operating parameters for stabilising the vehicle, if the set of second parameters are greater than the set of second predetermined values.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more sensors includes a speed sensor of the vehicle, and the first parameter is a speed of the vehicle.
[008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more sensors include one or more of an accelerometer and a steering angle sensor, and the set of second parameters include one or more of a lateral acceleration and a steering angle of the vehicle.
[009] In a further embodiment of the vehicle, the system has an auxiliary controller configured to maintain the speed of the vehicle.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more actuators include a throttle position sensor and the one or more operating parameters comprise a speed of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to communicate with an engine management system to control a torque of an engine and the throttle position of the vehicle thereby controlling the speed of the vehicle.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more actuators include a brake controller with a throttle position sensor and the one or more operating parameters comprise a speed of the vehicle, and the control unit is configured to communicate with the brake controller for controlling brakes and communicate with an engine management system for controlling a throttle position for controlling the speed of the vehicle.
[012] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method for stabilising a vehicle. The method has the steps of: detecting, by one or more vehicle sensors, one or more vehicle parameters, the one or more vehicle parameters having a first parameter and a set of second parameters; receiving, by a control unit, the one or more vehicle parameters from the one or more vehicle sensors; determining, by the control unit, whether first parameter is lower than a first predetermined value; determining, by the control unit, whether the set of second parameters are greater than a set of second predetermined values, if the first parameter is lower than the first predetermined value; and operating, by the control unit, one or more actuators for controlling the one or more operating parameters for stabilising the vehicle, if the set of second parameters are greater than the set of second predetermined values.
[013] In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more sensors includes a speed sensor of the vehicle, and the first parameter is a speed of the vehicle.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more sensors include one or more of an accelerometer and a steering angle sensor, and the set of second parameters include one or more of a lateral acceleration and a steering angle of the vehicle.
[015] In a further embodiment of the vehicle, the method has the step of maintaining by the auxiliary controller, the speed of the vehicle.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more actuators include a throttle position sensor and the one or more operating parameters include a speed of the vehicle, and the method has the step of communicating, by the control unit, with an engine management system to control a torque of an engine and a throttle position, for controlling the speed of the vehicle using the throttle position sensor.
[017] In a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the one or more actuators includes a brake controller with a throttle position sensor and the one or more operating parameters includes a speed of the vehicle, and the method has the step of communicating, by the control unit, with the brake controller for controlling brakes, and with an engine management system for controlling a throttle position, for controlling the speed of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[018] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a system for stabilising a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates steps involved in a method for stabilising a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates steps involved in a method for stabilising a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[019] The present invention relates to stabilisation of a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to system and method for stabilising a vehicle. The system and method of the present invention are typically used in a vehicle such as a two wheeled vehicle, however, the system and method of the present invention is capable of being used in three-wheeled vehicles, or other multi-wheeled vehicles as required.
[020] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 for stabilising a vehicle. The system 100 of the present invention is configured to stabilise the vehicle, especially at low speeds and during cornering, such as when taking a U-turn. As illustrated, the system 100 has one or more vehicle sensors 110. The one or more vehicle sensors 110 are configured to detect one or more vehicle parameters. Specifically, the one or more vehicle parameters comprise a first parameter and a second parameter. In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1, the one or more vehicle sensors 110 comprises a speed sensor 112 of a vehicle, and the first parameter comprises a speed of the vehicle.
[021] In a further embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 1, the one or more vehicle sensors 110 comprises one or more of an accelerometer 118 configured to determine lateral acceleration of the vehicle, a steering angle sensor 114 configured to detect a steering angle of the vehicle. Accordingly, the set of second parameters comprises one or more of the lateral acceleration of the vehicle, the steering angle of the vehicle. Accordingly, in an embodiment, a combination of the lateral acceleration and the steering angle is used as second parameters for stabilising the vehicle.
[022] The system 100 further has a control unit 120. The control unit 120 is configured to receive the one or more vehicle parameters from the one or more vehicle sensors 110 for further processing and stabilising the vehicle. The control unit 120 is configured to determine whether the first parameter is lower than a first predetermined value, based on which further processing is done. In an embodiment, the control unit 120 is configured to determine whether the speed of the vehicle is lower than the first predetermined value. The speed of the vehicle being lower than the first predetermined value indicates that the vehicle is slowing down, and there is a possibility of the user approaching a U-turn or a tight corner. In an embodiment, the first predetermined value of the speed of the vehicle ranges between 2kmph and 20kmph.
[023] If it is determined that the first parameter is lower than the first predetermined value, the control unit 120 is further configured to determine whether the set of second parameters are greater than a set of second predetermined values. In an embodiment, the control unit 120 determines whether each of the set of second parameters are greater than their corresponding predetermined values. In an embodiment, the control unit 120 determines whether the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is greater than its corresponding predetermined value. In an embodiment, the predetermined value of the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is 0.1 - 0.3m/s2. If the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is greater than their corresponding predetermined values, it indicates that the vehicle is cornering.
[024] Further, in this embodiment, the control unit 120 determines whether the steering angle of the vehicle is greater than its corresponding predetermined value. In an embodiment, the second predetermined value of the steering angle ranges between 20 degrees and 60 degrees. If the steering angle is greater than its corresponding predetermined value from the set of second predetermined values, and the lateral acceleration is greater than its corresponding predetermined value from the set of second predetermined values, it indicates that the vehicle is cornering and taking a U-turn and thus possibly requires assisting for stabilising the vehicle.
[025] The system 100 further has one or more actuators 130 that are configured to control one or more operating parameters of the vehicle. Thus, for stabilising the vehicle, if the set of second parameters are greater than the set of second predetermined values, the control unit 120 is configured to operate the one or more actuators 130 for controlling the one or more operating parameters for stabilising the vehicle. Thus, by virtue of the provision of the system 100, based on determination of the parameters as explained hereinbefore, the control unit 120 controls the one or more actuators 130 so as to stabilise the vehicle when the vehicle is cornering or negotiating a tight bend, thus assisting the user. Further, the vehicle is stabilised without requiring an inertial measurement unit for the same.
[026] In an embodiment, the one or more actuators 130 comprise a throttle position sensor 134, and the one or more operating parameters comprise a speed of the vehicle. Accordingly, the control unit 120 is configured to communicate with the engine management system 132 for controlling a torque of an engine of the vehicle and a throttle position thereby controlling the speed of the vehicle. The control of engine torque and throttle position ensures that the vehicle keeps running at a constant speed for the duration of the cornering or taking the U-turn. Accordingly, the system 100 of the present invention automates the throttle input and controls the torque of the engine so as to maintain a constant speed during cornering or taking a U-turn, thereby ensuring that the vehicle does not roll over during such a condition and eliminating the requirement of a large number of user inputs for maintaining constant speed of the vehicle.
[027] In an alternative embodiment, the one or more actuators 130 comprise a brake controller 136 with the throttle position sensor 134. In this embodiment, the control unit 120 is configured to communicate with the brake controller 136 for controlling brakes and communicate with an engine management system 132 for controlling a throttle position for controlling the speed of the vehicle using the throttle position sensor 134. The control of brakes and throttle position ensures that the vehicle keeps running at a constant speed for the duration of the cornering or taking the U-turn. Accordingly, the system 100 of the present invention automates the brake input and controls the throttle position of the engine so as to maintain a constant speed during cornering or taking a U-turn, thereby ensuring that the vehicle does not roll over during such a condition and eliminating the requirement of a large number of user inputs for maintaining constant speed of the vehicle. In an embodiment, a combination of torque control, throttle position control and brake control are used for controlling the speed of the vehicle.
[028] In a further embodiment, specifically for maintaining the constant speed of the vehicle, the system 100 comprises an auxiliary controller 122. The auxiliary controller 122 is configured to maintain the speed of the vehicle at the desired speed. The provision of the auxiliary controller 122 ensures that any fluctuation in speed of the vehicle that arises due to various factors, is negated and the speed of the vehicle is maintained at a constant level, thereby allowing the user to safely negotiate the U-turn or tight bend. In operation, for example, if the vehicle, during taking a U-turn is rolling over in the clockwise direction, the system 100 assists in maintaining the speed of the vehicle by controlling the torque or brakes and throttle position, which allows the user to balance the vehicle in the counterclockwise direction.
[029] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method 200 for stabilising the vehicle. Figure 2 illustrates the method steps involved in the method 200 for stabilising the vehicle. At step 202, one or more vehicle parameters are detected by one or more vehicle sensors 110, wherein the one or more vehicle parameters comprise a first parameter and a set of second parameters. At step 204, the one or more vehicle parameters are received by the control unit 120 from the one or more vehicle sensors 110. At step 206, it is determined by the control unit 120 whether the first parameter is lower than the first predetermined value. If it is determined that the first parameter is lower than the first predetermined value, then the method moves to step 210, otherwise method 200 moves to step 208 and no assist is provided. At step 210, it is determined by the control unit 120 that whether the set of second parameters are greater than the set of second predetermined values. If at step 210, it is determined that the set of second parameters are greater than the set of second predetermined values, then the method moves to step 214, otherwise the method 200 moves to step 212 and no assist is provided. At step 214, the one or more actuators 130 are operated by the control unit 120 for controlling one or more operating parameters for stabilising the vehicle.
[030] Figure 3 illustrates further method steps 300 involved in the method 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, the one or more vehicle sensors 110 comprises a speed sensor 112 of a vehicle, and the first parameter comprises a speed of the vehicle. Accordingly, at step 302, it is determined whether the speed of the vehicle is lower than the predetermined value, and if so, method moves to step 306, otherwise method moves to step 304, and no assist is provided.
[031] In a further embodiment, the set of second parameters comprise one or more of the lateral acceleration of the vehicle. At step 306, it is determined whether the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is greater than its corresponding predetermined value from the set of second predetermined values. If at step 306, it is determined that the lateral acceleration of the vehicle is greater than its corresponding predetermined value, then the method moves to step 310, otherwise method moves to step 308, and no assist is provided. At step 310, it is determined by the control unit 120 that whether the steering angle of the vehicle is greater than its corresponding predetermined value from the set of second predetermined values. If at step 310, it is determined that the steering angle of the vehicle is greater than its corresponding predetermined value, the method moves to step 314, otherwise method moves to step 312, and no assist is provided. At step 314, the control unit 120 communicates with the engine management system 132 or the brake controller 136 with the throttle position sensor 134 for controlling the torque or brakes of the engine and the throttle position for stabilising the vehicle. At step 316, it is determined whether the current speed of the vehicle is greater than or equal to a desired vehicle speed based on which the auxiliary controller 124, which is a PI controller, maintains the constant vehicle speed. At step 314 it is also determined whether the engine management system torque control or brake control and throttle position control is below a predetermined value, and if so, method moves to step 318 wherein the vehicle is stabilised, otherwise method reverts to step 302.
[032] Advantageously, the present invention provides a system and a method for stabilising a vehicle which detects whether the vehicle is in the state of cornering or taking a U-turn and provides control of one or more operating parameters of the vehicle for stabilising the vehicle. The present invention provides for automatic operation of the one or more actuators for controlling the operating parameters of the vehicle, thereby reducing the user input required for maintaining a constant speed during the vehicle U-turn or cornering, which is especially helpful for new or elderly users.
[033] Further, in the present invention, the control of engine torque and throttle position ensures that the vehicle keeps running at a constant speed for the duration of the cornering or taking the U-turn. Accordingly, the system of the present invention automates the throttle input and controls the torque or brakes of the engine so as to maintain a constant speed during cornering or taking a U-turn, thereby ensuring that the vehicle does not roll over during such a condition and eliminating the requirement of a large number of user inputs for maintaining constant speed of the vehicle. This increases user safety as well as vehicle performance.
[034] The present invention also ensures that the vehicle can be stabilised during U-turn or cornering conditions without requiring usage of complex ABS based systems, and thus can be applied to vehicles not having an ABS. Further, the present invention also ensures that the vehicle can be stabilised during the U-tune or cornering conditions without requiring usage of inertial measurement units, and thus can be applied to vehicles not having IMUs, and also eliminating the requirement of provision of an IMU for stabilising.
[035] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100: System for Stabilising a Vehicle
110: One or more Vehicle Sensors
112: Speed Sensor
114: Steering Angle Sensor
118: Accelerometer
120: Control Unit
122: Auxiliary Controller
130: One or more Actuators
132: Engine Management System
134: Throttle Position Sensor
136: Brake Controller
200: Method for Stabilising a Vehicle , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for stabilising a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
one or more vehicle sensors (110), the one or more vehicle sensors (110) configured to detect one or more vehicle parameters, the one or more vehicle parameters comprising a first parameter and a set of second parameters;
one or more actuators (130), the one or more actuators (130) being configured to control one or more operating parameters of the vehicle; and
a control unit (120), the control unit (120) being configured to:
receive the one or more vehicle parameters from the one or more vehicle sensors (110);
determine whether the first parameter is lower than a first predetermined value;
determine whether the set of second parameters are greater than a set of second predetermined values, if the first parameter is lower than the first predetermined value; and
operate the one or more actuators (130) for controlling the one or more operating parameters for stabilising the vehicle, if the set of second parameters are greater than the set of second predetermined values.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors (110) comprises a speed sensor (112) of a vehicle, and the first parameter comprises a speed of the vehicle.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors (110) comprises one or more of a steering angle sensor (114) and an accelerometer (118), and the set of second parameters comprise one or more of a steering angle of the vehicle, and a lateral acceleration of the vehicle.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an auxiliary controller (122), the auxiliary controller (122) being configured to maintain the speed of the vehicle.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more actuators (130) comprise a throttle position sensor (134) and the one or more operating parameters comprise a speed of the vehicle, and the control unit (120) is configured to communicate an engine management system (132) to control a torque of an engine and a throttle position for controlling the speed of the vehicle using the throttle position sensor (134).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more actuators (130) comprise a brake controller (136) with a throttle position sensor (134) and the one or more operating parameters comprise a speed of the vehicle, and the control unit (122) is configured to communicate with the brake controller (136) for controlling brakes and communicate with an engine management system (132) for controlling a throttle position for controlling the speed of the vehicle.

7. A method (200) for stabilising a vehicle, the method (200) comprising the steps of:
detecting, by one or more vehicle sensors (110), one or more vehicle parameters, the one or more vehicle parameters comprising a first parameter and a set of second parameters;
receiving, by a control unit (120), the one or more vehicle parameters from the one or more vehicle sensors (120);
determining, by the control unit (120), whether first parameter is lower than a first predetermined value;
determining, by the control unit (120), whether the set of second parameters are greater than a set of second predetermined values, if the first parameter is lower than the first predetermined value; and
operating, by the control unit (120), one or more actuators (130) for controlling the one or more operating parameters for stabilising the vehicle, if the set of second parameters are greater than the set of second predetermined values.

8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more sensors (110) comprises a speed sensor (112) of a vehicle, and the first parameter comprises a speed of the vehicle.

9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the one or more sensors (110) comprises one or more of a steering angle sensor (114) and an accelerometer (118), and the set of second parameters comprise one or more of a steering angle of the vehicle, and a lateral acceleration of the vehicle.

10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the method (200) comprising the step of maintaining, by an auxiliary controller (122), the speed of the vehicle.

11. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the one or more actuators (130) comprise a throttle position sensor (134) and the one or more operating parameters comprise a speed of the vehicle, and the method (200) comprises the step of communicating, by the control unit(120), with an engine management system (132) to control a torque of an engine and a throttle position, for controlling the speed of the vehicle using the throttle position sensor (134).

12. The method (200) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the one or more actuators (130) comprise a brake controller (136) with a throttle position sensor (134) and the one or more operating parameters comprise a speed of the vehicle, and the method (200) comprises the step of:
communicating, by the control unit (120), with the brake controller (136) for controlling brakes, and with an engine management system (132) for controlling a throttle position, for controlling the speed of the vehicle.

Dated this 20th day of March 2024
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471