Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha

Ichiro Kurawaki

Toyoji Tanaka

Kazumasa Nakaya

Sergei V Ulyanov

Sergei Panfilov

Satoshi Tanigaki

Takahide Hagiwira

A control system for optimizing a shock absorber having a non-linear kinetic characteristic is described. The control system uses a fitness (performance) function that is based on the physical laws of minimum entropy and biologically inspired constraints relating to mechanical constraints and/or rider comfort, driveability, etc. In one embodiment, a genetic analyzer is used in an off-line mode to develop a teaching signal. An information filter is used to filter the teaching signal to produce a compressed teaching signal. The compressed teaching signal can be approximated online by a fuzzy controller that operates using knowledge from a knowledge base. In one embodiment, the control system includes a learning system, such as a neural network that is trained by the compressed training signal. The learning system is used to create a knowledge base for use by an online fuzzy controller. The online fuzzy controller is used to program a linear controller.

Intelligent mechatronic control suspension system based on soft computing

A variable firmness motorcycle seat that includes a bottom plate, a cushion stuffing placed on the bottom plate and a seat skin that covers the cushion stuffing and is secured to the bottom plate. In order to improve sitting comfort, a portion with a greater firmness than surrounding portions is incorporated into the seat so as to provide riding comfort and prevent permanent seat deformation problems. The location of the greater firmness portion corresponds to the area where seat pressure produced by a rider is greatest.

Straddle type vehicle seat

The present invention is adapted to be embodied in a steering and suspension arrangement for the front wheel of a motorcycle. Specifically, the invention relates to a front wheel swing arm type steering and suspension arrangement. In the arrangement of the present invention, upper and lower swing arms connect a motorcycle frame to a steering knuckle which extends along one side of the front wheel. The upper swing arm is shorter in length than the lower swing arm and is pivotally connected to the frame of the motorcycle at a point forwardly of a pivotal connection for the lower swing arm. According to the invention, the swing arms are positioned so that forwards and backwards lateral movement of the suspension system is kept to a minimum and the rake angle of the steering arrangement is held nearly constant during suspension travel, as when the motorcycle encounters a bump during operation. The swing arm suspension arrangement of the invention is compact and allows for good maneuverability of the motorcycle and also for easy access to the engine, as for repairs. A telescoping tube assembly having a pair of elongated tubes reciprocal within associated bores, for absorbing the swing motion of the suspension arrangement, also comprises a portion of the steering arrangement of the invention.

Double swing arm motorcycle front suspension

Several embodiments of fully adjustable motorcycles so as to permit the use of a single motorcycle as either a touring or racing machine. The handlebar assembly is adjustable along an arc as are the foot pegs with the center of movement of the arc being midway disposed between the handlebar and the foot pegs. This permits the rider to assume either an upright touring position, or a reclined, crouched racing position. The seat is also adjustable and the adjustment further accommodates riders of varying stature.

Fully adjustable motorcycle

A motorcycle having leading and trailing front and rear arm suspensions for the front and rear wheels. The motorcycle has a frame that is made up of a pair of side pieces that are integrally connected with each other with portions of the side pieces removeable for accessing and removal of the engine.

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Iwata, Japan

Ichiro Kurawaki