485results about "Propulsion by humans/animals" patented technology

A method and system for controlling an electric bicycle are provided. The method may comprise: driving the electric bicycle; generating a deceleration torque command of a driving motor based on a moving distance of a pedal if a driver rotates the pedal installed in the electric bicycle in a reverse direction while the electric bicycle is driving; controlling a current supplied to the driving motor according to the deceleration torque command; and generating a deceleration torque of the driving motor by the current control.

The present disclosure relates to safety devices and systems for light mobility vehicles. In one example, a safety device for a light mobility vehicle includes a circuit board, one or more connectivity modules coupled to the circuit board, and an antenna coupled to the circuit board. The circuit board may be positioned within or coupled to a light mobility vehicle part. The antenna is configured to mitigate interference of one or more components of the light mobility vehicle part with the one or more connectivity modules.

A modular electric wheel assembly. The assembly including a motor with a rotor in a rotary union with a stator. The motor of the brushless DC type and including a circular rotor rotating about a central axis and including a central hollow axle. The hollow axle configured for coupling with a removable energy source and / or an external energy source and including attachment structures for a plurality of attachments to enable riding by a user or configuration within a parent vehicle such as a bicycle or moped, or use as another machine type, such as a power tool or power generation machine. The rotor configured with a quick-change mechanism through a first ring configured to accept a plurality of removable wheel types and rotatable attachments, enabling a user to select a variety of unique wheel / tire types and configurations for a variety of applications.

A drivetrain for a mobility vehicle includes: an electric motor and a gearshift device having a plurality of gear ratios between a first gear ratio and an upper gear ratio, the electric motor being connected to at least one output sprocket of the gear shift device.

A battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a battery system which includes a battery rack including a plurality of battery module assemblies (BMAs). The battery system may comprise: a first battery management device (RBMS) which controls the battery rack, the first battery management device identifying, at predetermined periods, a condition for performing BMA balancing according to a state of charge and whether the battery system is in an idle state, and if the condition for performing BMA balancing is satisfied, setting a BMA balancing target and a BMA balancing time; and a second battery management device (PBMS) which is located in each of the BMAs and includes a balancing circuit, the second battery management device receiving a BMA balancing command including the BMA balancing target and the BMA balancing time from the first battery management device to perform cell balancing.

A method optimizes the efficiency and quality of use of an electric vehicle. The vehicle includes an electric motor module, a battery module to power the electric motor module, a sensor group, and a control module. The method involves the control module acquiring measurements of the vehicle. The control module also calculates an operating parameter characterizing the use of the vehicle within a predetermined time interval based on the acquired measurements as a function of a power output from the motor; defines a quality of use index based on the operating parameter; determines an optimal value of the power output from the motor for which the quality of use index is equal to or greater than a limit value; and generates a control signal to modify the power output from the electric motor and the transmission ratio from the measured value to the optimal value within the time interval.

A mount for connecting a power unit to a bike-mounted power apparatus, the mount comprising: an attachment device configured to mechanically connect the mount to a bike, the attachment device being for attaching the mount to the handlebars of a bike; a power unit connector configured to mechanically and electrically connect a power unit to the mount; wherein the power unit connector comprises: an electrical interface configured to electrically connecting to a power unit; and first and second opposing surfaces for gripping a power unit therebetween. A modular power apparatus for a bike includes the mount and a power unit.

A motor-driven trailer and towbar system includes a towbar having a vehicle side end configured to connect with the vehicle and a trailer side end configured to connect with a trailer coupling. The towbar is pivotably coupled to the trailer and configured to pivot along a pivoting path (P) between a lowered position (L) and a raised position (R) with respect to the trailer. At least one first sensor element is configured to detect a position of the towbar along the pivoting path (P). A control unit (TCU) is in communication with the at least one first sensor element and is configured to switch the system between an operating mode and a parking mode. The system is switched into the parking mode when the towbar is in a raised position (R) and is switched into the operating mode when the towbar is in a lowered position (L).

Electric bicycles include an electric motor electrically connected to power circuitry and driveably connected to at least one wheel. A first battery connection point is configured to releasably secure a first battery to the electric bicycle. A second battery connection point configured to releasably secure a second battery to the electric bicycle. The power circuitry is configured to power the electric motor using the first battery and the second battery each having a charge capacity of about 160 watt hours.

An interface module for charging and discharging an electrochemical energy store for an electrical consumer, in particular for an electric-motor-powered vehicle, includes a first interface and at least one second interface that is electrically connected to the first interface. The first interface is designed, in particular of proprietary design, such that the interface module is connectable to a corresponding counterpart of the electrochemical energy store. The at least one second interface is of universal design such that the interface module is connectable to a corresponding counterpart interface of an external constant-voltage or constant-current source for the purpose of charging the electrochemical energy store. The at least one second interface is further connectable to a corresponding counterpart interface of a further electrical consumer for the purpose of discharging the electrochemical energy store.

Disclosed is an intelligent folding bicycle with a power wheel, including a front frame assembly and a back frame assembly folded through a rotating assembly, a fixing assembly movably arranged between the front frame assembly and the back frame assembly, a front power wheel assembly movably and detachably arranged on the front frame assembly, a back wheel assembly movably arranged on the back frame assembly, a handle assembly arranged above the front frame assembly, a cushion assembly arranged on the back frame assembly, and two pedals movably and symmetrically arranged on the front frame assembly or the back frame assembly, respectively. According to the present invention, functions of detaching the power wheel and folding the bicycle are achieved.

Vehicle charge sharing and communication (e.g., using a computerized tool) are enabled. For example, a vehicle can comprise a memory that stores computer executable components, and a processor that executes the computer executable components stored in the memory, wherein the computer executable components comprise a charge sharing determination component that, based on a charge sharing request from another vehicle, other than the vehicle, determines whether a condition of a battery of the vehicle satisfies a charge sharing criterion applicable to the charge sharing request, and a communication component that, based on the condition of the battery being determined to satisfy the charge sharing criterion, establishes a communicative connection with the another vehicle.

A method (S4) for controlling a drive motor (4) of a muscle-powered vehicle (2) is described. The method includes determining (S1) an initial speed of a shaft (6) connected to the drive motor (4), wherein the initial speed is a target speed value of the shaft (6) at a first time point. Furthermore, the method includes determining (S2) a final speed of the shaft (6), wherein the final speed is a target speed value of the shaft (6) at a second time point, which is later than the first time point. The method also includes determining (S3) target speed values ​​of the shaft (6) for times between the first time point and the second time point, wherein the target speed values ​​are specific values ​​of a speed profile of the shaft (6) over time, the speed profile comprising the initial speed and the final speed, and wherein the speed profile is a polynomial function.Furthermore, the method includes controlling (S4) the drive motor (4) depending on the specified target speed values. In addition, a control device (10) is described which is configured to execute such a method.

The present invention relates to a method (100) for operating a drive system (200) comprising a plurality of components (202, 204, 205) of a bicycle (300) that is at least temporarily electrically powered, comprising the steps: - providing (S1) at least one request of a first component (202) and one request of a second component (204) from the plurality of components of the drive system (200), - comparing (S2) the request of the first component (202) with the request of the second component (204) with regard to a thermal load situation of the first component (202) and the second component (204), - adjusting (S3) an operating behavior of the first component (202) and / or the second component (204) on the basis of the comparison.

A battery device of an electric bicycle includes a battery, a battery mount which allows attachment / detachment of the battery, a stepped portion, and a restriction release in a first end of the battery, and an engaging portion and a second movement restrictor in a first support of the battery mount. The engaging portion is restricted in its movement, by the second movement restrictor, from an engaged position where it is engaged by the stepped portion to a disengaged position where it is not engaged by the stepped portion. When the battery is to be removed, from the battery mount, the restriction by the second movement restrictor is removed, the restriction release is used to move the engaging portion from the engaged position to the disengaged position, and then the battery is pulled in a removal direction, to remove the battery from the battery mount.

Various systems and methods associated with protecting a rider of an electric bicycle from hazards while riding their bicycle are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods enhance the safety of the rider in response current detected conditions surrounding the rider, such as conditions associated with the route or path traveled by the rider, other vehicles within the route or path traveled by the rider, potential hazards within the route or path traveled by the rider, environmental conditions through which the rider is traveling, and so on.

There is provided a powertrain of a mid-drive electric bicycle that enables regenerative braking. The powertrain comprising a mid-drive electric motor, a chain rotatably connected to the mid-drive electric motor, a gearing system mounted in a rear wheel bub, the gearing system rotatably connected to the chain, a mechanical brake connected to a component of the gearing system, and a control system. During operation of the mechanical brake, the gearing system is configured to cause rotation of the chain in a backward direction opposite to the forward driving direction, which mechanically forces the mid-drive electric motor to rotate in the backward direction, to thereby regenerate electric energy. There is further provided a crankset configured to prevent rotation of pedals of the electric bicycle in a backwards driving direction during backwards rotation of the chain in braking mode.

Electric micromobility vehicle charging systems are provided which include a docking station, a wireless power receiver device and a wireless power transmitter device. The docking station is configured to facilitate docking of an electric micromobility vehicle with the docking station for charging, and the wireless power receiver device is associated with the electric micromobility vehicle. The wireless power receiver device includes a wireless magnetic resonant receiver. The wireless power transmitter device is associated with the docking station, and includes a wireless magnetic resonant transmitter. The docking station is configured to facilitate operative positioning, at least in part, of the wireless magnetic resonant receiver relative to the wireless magnetic resonant transmitter with docking of the electric micromobility vehicle with the docking station for charging.

The present invention discloses a chainless electrical bicycle, which is designed to eliminate any type of mechanical means to transfer torque and power from pedals to a traction wheel. The present invention employs a generator to transfer a pedal torque and power with the help of power electronics, control electronics, a battery and control methods to a motor that is used for traction, which is attached to the traction wheel. The generator power is supplemented with the battery power, wherein the battery is rechargeable. The main purpose of the present invention is to emulate a mechanical chain bicycle operation, eliminate shortcomings of a mechanical chain bicycle, and introduce convenience features, such as, but not limited to, continuously variable electronic gear, a gravity compensation, a static and dynamic torque assistance, a ride charge feature, and an electric brake system.

A method and system for controlling an electric bicycle are provided. The method may comprise: driving the electric bicycle; generating a deceleration torque command of a driving motor based on a moving distance of a pedal if a driver rotates the pedal installed in the electric bicycle in a reverse direction while the electric bicycle is driving; controlling a current supplied to the driving motor according to the deceleration torque command; and generating a deceleration torque of the driving motor by the current control.

The invention relates to a method for controlling a drive device (5) of a vehicle (1) operated at least periodically by muscle power, and an associated control device (6), wherein the drive device (5) is used to transmit a supporting drive force of an electric machine and a drive force of a crank device (4) operable by muscle power to a drive wheel (3), wherein a transmission ratio between the crank device (4) and the drive wheel (3) can be automatically adjusted. The method comprises the following steps: (S1) detecting a rotational speed of the crank device (4); (S2) detecting operating parameters during operation of the vehicle (1), including a torque applied to the crank device (4); (S3) evaluating a current rotational speed profile, which is determined on the basis of the detected rotational speed of the crank device (4), taking into account the detected operating parameters and an expected rotational speed profile (D) with respect to the detected operating parameters; and (S4) intervening in the control of the drive device (5) in such a way that the current rotational speed profile is brought closer to the expected rotational speed profile (D).

An energy storage device for a bicycle includes a housing moveable between at least a first position and a second position, at least one battery cell disposed in the housing, and a heat sink coupled to the housing. The heat sink is in a heat dissipation position when the housing is in the first position and the heat sink is in a non-heat dissipation position when the housing is in the second position. The energy storage device includes a positional sensor coupled to the housing and configured to sense when the housing is in the second position. In various embodiments, the positional sensor may be configured as an orientation sensor or as a proximity sensor. A bicycle communication system may include a Wi-Fi enabled energy storage system.

The invention relates to a method for determining at least one bicycle function algorithm in a rider-specific and / or bicycle-specific manner, comprising the following method steps: - Collection of sensor data from a large number of cyclists and / or bicycles; - Capturing metadata that can be associated with the sensor data; - Determining a driver type based on sensor data and metadata; - Determination of a rider-specific bicycle function algorithm based on sensor data and metadata attributable to the rider type; - Control or regulation of the bicycle and / or a bicycle component based on the rider-specific bicycle function algorithm.

A method for controlling a motive power unit of a pedal vehicle propulsion assembly is disclosed. The method comprises interrupting and resuming pedaling by a user, calculating a first speed as a function of the speed of first and second motors, calculating a second speed at the defined point of the propulsion assembly as a function of a measurement of the vehicle speed, calculating a difference between the first and second speeds, controlling a first motor by a control unit, controlling the second motor with a torque setpoint lower in absolute value than the torque corresponding to the level of assistance when the difference between the first and second speeds is above a threshold, and controlling the second motor by the control unit with a torque setpoint corresponding to the level of assistance when the difference between the first and second speeds is below a threshold.

A torque transmission device for a drive unit of a bicycle includes a shaft having an opening extending through the shaft. The torque transmission device includes a lever having a seat, a foot, and a tooth. The lever is movably attached to the shaft, such that the seat of the lever is rotatable on a surface of the shaft at least partially defining the opening. The tooth of the lever is engageable with internal teeth of a gear disposable about the shaft, and the foot of the lever is engageable with a cam disposable within the shaft. The lever is movably attached to the shaft, such that the foot of the lever is biased away from the outer circumferential surface of the shaft. A distance between the seat and the foot is greater than a distance between the tooth and the seat.

The invention relates to a method for the rider-specific and / or bicycle-specific determination of at least one bicycle function algorithm, said method comprising the following method steps: - acquiring sensor data from a plurality of cyclists and / or bicycles; - acquiring metadata that can be assigned to the sensor data; - determining a rider type based on the sensor data and the metadata; - determining a rider-specific bicycle function algorithm based on the sensor data and metadata that can be assigned to the rider type; - providing open-loop or closed-loop control of the bicycle and / or a bicycle component based on the rider-specific bicycle function algorithm.

A method for controlling (S4) a drive motor (4) of a human-powered vehicle (2) is described. The method comprises determining (S1) a nominal setpoint value of a torque of a shaft (6) connected to the drive motor (4) and determining (S2) at least one adaptable parameter. The method comprises determining (S3) a threshold value for an amount of the setpoint value of the torque as a function of a specific temperature of an element (8) of the vehicle (2) and as a function of the specific parameter. The method further comprises determining (S4) a setpoint value of the torque of the shaft (6), wherein the specific nominal setpoint value is determined as the setpoint value if an amount of the nominal setpoint value is smaller than the threshold value for an amount of the setpoint value, and otherwise the setpoint value is determined such that an amount of the setpoint value corresponds to the specific threshold value.The method further comprises controlling (S5) the drive motor (4) as a function of the determined torque target value. A control device (10) configured to carry out such a method is also described. Furthermore, a drive train (12) having such a control device (10) and a muscle-powered vehicle (2) having such a drive train (12) are described.

The present application concerns a vehicle (104) including a battery, a vehicle component management system, and a vehicle connector assembly (300) integrated with the vehicle (104). The vehicle connector assembly (300) is arranged to engage a docking connector assembly (200) of a vehicle-docking station (120) connected to a power source. The vehicle connector assembly (300) includes a battery-charging interface for charging the battery through the docking connector assembly (200), and a vehicle communication system The vehicle communication system includes a vehicle communication interface a connector assembly communication interface, and a controller configured to convert between a connector-vehicle communication protocol and a different dock-connector communication protocol, in both directions, so as to enable data transmission between the vehicle (104) and the docking connector assembly (200). The vehicle connector assembly and docking connector assembly are engageable in a secured and locked configuration.

An energy storage device for a bicycle comprises a housing that is movable between at least a first position and a second position, at least one battery cell arranged in the housing, and a heat sink coupled to the housing. The heat sink is in a heat dissipation position when the housing is in the first position and is not in a heat dissipation position when the housing is in the second position. The energy storage device includes a position sensor coupled to the housing and configured to detect when the housing is in the second position. In various embodiments, the position sensor can be configured as an orientation sensor or as a proximity sensor. A bicycle communication system can include a Wi-Fi-enabled energy storage system.

The invention relates to a method for the rider-specific and / or bicycle-specific determination of at least one bicycle function algorithm, said method comprising the following method steps: - acquiring sensor data from a plurality of cyclists and / or bicycles; - acquiring metadata that can be assigned to the sensor data; - determining a rider type based on the sensor data and the metadata; - determining a rider-specific bicycle function algorithm based on the sensor data and metadata that can be assigned to the rider type; - providing open-loop or closed-loop control of the bicycle and / or a bicycle component based on the rider-specific bicycle function algorithm.