Bicycle Control Apparatus Low-Speed Pushing-Walking Motor Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle control apparatuses require a dedicated pushing-walking operating unit and a normal assisting operating unit, and struggle to precisely control the motor during low-speed pushing-walking due to limited vehicle speed detection accuracy at speeds below 3 km/h, which restricts motor control precision.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle control apparatus with an operating unit and control unit that differentiate between two operating methods, allowing for motor assistance during pushing-walking, precise speed estimation, and force detection to manage motor output, enabling accurate control even at low speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a vehicle speed sensor with magnetic detection unit is used to detect vehicle speed, then the vehicle speed can be detected, but the detection precision deteriorates at speeds below 3 km/h due to small number of pulses per unit time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an operation detection unit as an intermediary to detect pushing-walking operations separately from vehicle speed detection. This mediator allows the system to identify pushing-walking mode through operation patterns rather than relying solely on imprecise low-speed vehicle speed sensor signals, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection capability and control precision at low speeds.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated pushing-walking operating unit is added to assist manual driving, then motor assistance during pushing-walking is enabled, but the device complexity increases with two operating units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing operating unit universal by enabling it to perform both normal riding assistance and pushing-walking assistance functions. The control unit identifies pushing-walking operations through temporal patterns (operation duration exceeding threshold) and provides appropriate motor assistance, eliminating the need for a dedicated pushing-walking operating unit while maintaining full functionality.
3Reliability
If the motor is controlled to maintain vehicle speed below 5 km/h during pushing-walking, then safety is improved, but the motor control precision deteriorates due to insufficient pulse signals from the vehicle speed sensor at low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring operation duration and motor output, adjusting motor assistance based on detected operation patterns and calculated pushing-walking speed. The control unit uses operation time feedback to identify pushing-walking mode and provides continuous speed feedback to maintain safety limits, resolving the contradiction between safety control and detection precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle control apparatus is configured to control a drive unit having a motor that assist in manual driving. The bicycle control apparatus includes an operating unit and a control unit. The operating unit is configured to be operated in accordance with first and second operating methods that are different from each other. The control unit is configured to change a setting state of a function that is set in advance without driving the drive unit in response to the operating unit being operated in accordance with the first operating method. The control unit is configured to drive the drive unit in response to the operating unit being operated in accordance with the second operating method.