Integrated Safety – Connect and Protect
While everyone knows Continental’s motorcyle technology from its tires, the company is a whole lot more involved with safety and innovation that you’d think. In the realm of motorcycle technology, the focus often shifts from tires to the intricate workings of the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) manufactured by Continental. If you’re not familiar with the IMU nestled within a motorcycle, allow us to shed some light on its significance and electronic prowess in enhancing motorcycle riding.
So, what exactly is the IMU of a motorcycle? With technology making strides by the decade, electronic driving aids have become increasingly prevalent. These aids necessitate a centralized electronic hub, often referred to as the ‘brain’, which newer bikes come equipped with. While your current ride might not boast this feature, modern motorcycles integrate a sophisticated device concentrated within an electronic control unit, orchestrating the seamless operation of various systems.
Where exactly is this control unit housed? The placement varies depending on the model, contingent upon the electrical configuration of each bike and the arrangement of its components, be it fairings, seat, or engine.
Now, how does it influence the motorcycle’s handling? This pivotal component coordinates the functionality of all systems, overseeing aspects such as traction control, (semi) active suspension, adaptive/active lighting, curve-optimized ABS, or advanced rider assistance systems.
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Inertial Sensor (6DoF) of Continental
Let’s delve into the specifics of Continental’s Inertial Sensor (6DoF). This sensor furnishes real-time vehicle motion data to all requesting devices. Continental’s innovation verifies signals for yaw, pitch, and roll rates, along with longitudinal, lateral, and vertical accelerations, all transmitted to the data bus via a standardized interface.
Impressively, this control unit oversees a gamut of electronic aspects, including traction control system, rear-wheel lift-off protection, optimized curve braking, high descent control for both front and rear, adaptive cruise control, and motorcycle hold and go functionalities.
But how does it manage all these tasks? The inertial measurement unit for motorcycles embodies a modular, scalable concept of up to six degrees (6DoF). For instance, roll and pitch velocities are measured within a scalable range of up to 300 times per second. Acceleration, on the other hand, is detected longitudinally, laterally, and vertically. These measured values are instrumental in calculating the pitch angle, furnishing crucial data to the control unit for analysis and implementation of corrective measures.
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Benefits and Features
- Modular concept
- Scalable up to six degrees of freedom (6DoF)
- Applicable for motorcycle comfort and/or safety functions
- Combined rate and acceleration sensors
- Roll angle calculation
- Minimized housing
Technical Data
- Sensing Range: Yaw/Roll/Pitch Rate ± 300°/s
- Sensing Range: Acceleration (x/y/z) ± 59m/2
- Temperature Range: -40°F to +176°F
- Supply Voltage: 7V … 17V
- Supply Current: < 100 mA
- Output: Digital on CAN bus
- Connector Interface: 4-Pin MQS
- Mounting Footprint: 2.44 in
- Tightness: IP6K9
