Bicycle Actuator Driver Circuit for Power Source Voltage Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human-powered vehicles with electric units face usability issues due to voltage mismatch between the electric power source and the actuator driver, leading to inefficient operation and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a converter circuit that adjusts the voltage from a first voltage to a second voltage, suitable for the actuator driver, by being electrically connected in series with the input part and actuator driver, allowing for selective use of multiple power sources and threshold-based voltage conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed voltage electric power source is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different voltage requirements of actuator drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by converting the fixed voltage output of the electric power source to a variable voltage that matches the actuator driver's requirements. The converter circuit dynamically adjusts the voltage parameter based on the actuator driver's needs, enabling the system to adapt to different voltage requirements while maintaining a simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter circuit serves as an intermediary component between the electric power source and the actuator driver. It mediates the voltage mismatch by transforming the power source's fixed voltage into the appropriate voltage for the actuator driver, thus resolving the contradiction between simple structure and voltage adaptability.
2Reliability
If voltage conversion is always performed, then voltage mismatch is prevented, but energy loss increases due to continuous conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage conversion process conditional rather than continuous. The control unit dynamically determines whether conversion is needed based on real-time voltage detection, enabling the system to switch between conversion and direct power transmission modes, thus reducing unnecessary energy loss while maintaining voltage compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by detecting the actuator driver's voltage requirements and adjusting the power delivery accordingly. The control unit receives feedback about the needed voltage and only activates the converter circuit when necessary, preventing continuous conversion and associated energy losses while ensuring voltage compatibility when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric power sources are supported, then usability is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the converter circuit and control unit to handle multiple types of electric power sources through a unified interface. The system can accept different power sources (battery, capacitor, external power supply) and automatically adapt to their characteristics, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate control logic for each power source type.
4Productivity
If voltage threshold detection is implemented, then appropriate conversion timing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting voltage thresholds in advance before actual power transmission. The control unit monitors the voltage levels and determines the appropriate conversion timing beforehand, ensuring that voltage matching is achieved before the actuator driver operates, thus improving operational efficiency without requiring complex real-time control during operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures the actuator driver receives a suitable voltage, improving the usability and reliability of the electric device by accommodating different power source voltages and preventing damage from voltage mismatches.
Implementation Method 1
The converter circuit is configured to convert a first voltage to a second voltage different from the first voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An electric device of a human-powered vehicle comprises an input part, an electric actuator, an actuator driver, and a converter circuit. The input part is configured to be electrically connected to an electric power source. The electric actuator is configured to move a movable member. The actuator driver is electrically connected to the electric actuator to control the electric actuator. The converter circuit is configured to convert a first voltage to a second voltage different from the first voltage. The converter circuit is electrically connected in series with the input part and the actuator driver.