GRIPONE IMU CAN

A sophisticated inertial measurement unit

GRIPONE IMU CAN is the new inertial measurement unit, designed specifically for use on motorcycles with traditional or electric engine, for sports or road use. Thanks to its two 3-axial accelerometers ,one 3-axial gyroscope and 3-axial compass , it is able to detect the dynamic orientation of the vehicle. A complex algorithm processes the data, comes from the sensors, to calculate the roll angle, the pitch angle, eliminating completely the typical drift effects of these devices. All data are made available for other devices via CAN bus communication.

A complete module for dynamic vehicle management

GRIPONE IMU CAN, in addition to determining the space orientation of the bike, has two digital inputs, thanks to which it can acquire the signal of the speeds of both wheels. These intelligent inputs are able to detect speeds from different types of sensors, such as proximity sensors or even the original ABS speed sensors.
Thanks to this peculiarity, GRIPONE IMU CAN becomes a real vehicle dynamic control module. The thinking heart of the inertial platform includes traction control strategies, anti-wheelie strategies and engine brake strategies. Thanks to the integrated control strategies, GRIPONE IMU CAN can generate directives (via CAN towards the main control unit) on power management in order to maintain normal driving conditions. All strategies are refined by ten years of experience in the sector, through the GRIPONE product line.

What an IMU is

The IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) is basically a electronic device that combines both accelerometers and gyros to be able to measure both linear acceleration and changes in orientation.
By measuring these measurements and conbine them as well as readings from wheel speed sensors, a modern IMU-equipped motorcycle knows precisely what’s going on at all times.
It can tell if a wheel is starting to spin or to lock-up, whether both wheels are on the ground, your lean angle and even the angle that you’re wheelying at.

The verified signals of pitch, roll and longitudinal, lateral and vertical acceleration are transmitted to the data bus via standardized interface (CAN bus).

The signals are used in complex control algorithms to enhance comfort and/or safety applications of the motorcycle (e.g. traction control, semi-active suspension, adaptive/active lighting, optimized curve ABS, advanced rider assistance systems, etc.).

Benefits

  • Lean-sensitive traction control

    With a 45 degree lean angle, the rear wheel, due to its tyre shape, has a smaller diameter. When the rear and the front wheel speed are compared a theoretical slip value is found that is at the limit of having traction. A next step for traction control could be made with a lean angle sensor that will solve the problem.

  • Smart Turn System

    Automatic turn signal cancellation system could be developed easily using a IMU.  Data such as acceleration, inclination, heading and vibration of the motorcycle is all used to process the output due to switch off the turn signals at just the right time.

  • Cornering Light System

    By using a left beam and a right beam (like fog lights) that turn on when an inclination of the motorcycle above a defined limit is detected would allow the motorcycle to illuminate the roadway in the direction of turn in a smart way. A two-wheeled vehicle necessarily leans toward the inside of the turn when cornering. An electrical switch activated by tilt of the vehicle is provided to operate the appropriate beam only when the vehicle is actually cornering

  • Adaptive suspension

    By using the data of lean angle, the motorcycle can modify in real time the suspension setting to improve the hidraulic response and improve the performance or comfort.