Electric Bicycle Propulsion Control via Body Movement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies do not effectively utilize cyclist movements to control the propulsion of electric two-wheelers, lacking integration of intuitive gesture recognition and adaptive control based on body movements for enhanced safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that detect and analyze body movements of the driver using sensors like ultrasound transducers or 3D cameras to control the propulsion of an electric two-wheeler, adjusting torque and gear shifts based on predefined movement patterns and environmental variables, allowing for intuitive control and adaptive support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sensors are attached to the bicycle to detect cyclist movements, then the ability to control propulsion intuitively is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the cyclist's own unconscious body movements as the control input, eliminating the need for traditional control interfaces. The propulsion control unit automatically interprets these movements and adjusts motor assistance accordingly, making the system self-regulating and highly intuitive while minimizing additional hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (handlebars, pedals, buttons) with a sensor-based detection system that captures body movements optically or electromagnetically. This substitution enables more natural and intuitive control while reducing mechanical complexity in the control transmission path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and control systems are integrated, then the adaptability to different riding conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion control unit serves multiple functions: it processes sensor data from various sources, determines cyclist intent from body movements, adjusts motor assistance levels, and adapts to different riding conditions. This multi-functionality in a single control unit improves adaptability while managing system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors cyclist body movements and propulsion conditions, using this feedback to dynamically adjust motor assistance. The control unit compares detected movements with predefined movement patterns and adjusts propulsion in real-time, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing conditions without requiring overly complex architecture.
3Measurement precision
If the system processes complex motion sequences and multiple body parts, then the measurement precision of cyclist intent is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cyclist's body into distinct detectable segments (torso, legs, arms) and tracks movements of each segment separately. By segmenting the detection task, the system achieves high measurement precision for each body part while managing the overall complexity through modular detection and processing of individual movement components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines movement patterns and their associated meanings (e.g., leaning forward indicates acceleration intent, pedaling motion indicates propulsion demand). By establishing these reference patterns in advance, the system can quickly and accurately interpret complex motion sequences without requiring real-time complex analysis, thus improving precision while reducing detection difficulty.
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
Enables the electric two-wheeler to respond to unconscious movements and complex motion sequences, providing adaptive control that enhances safety and efficiency by adjusting propulsion in real-time, supporting the rider with additional torque or gear shifts as needed.
Implementation Method 1
distance values of a body part of a driver of an electric two-wheeler are recorded
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
According to the invention, a method for controlling the propulsion of an electric two-wheeler is proposed, comprising the following steps: a.) In the first method step, a first movement of at least one body part of a rider of the electric two-wheeler is detected. This is done by: - First, distance values of the rider's body part are detected at a first time (10). - Subsequently, further, second distance values of this body part are detected (20). In this context, distance values represent the distances of the body part to the receiving unit. - Using these determined first and second distance values of the body part, a first movement of the body part is then determined (30). b.) In the second method step, the propulsion of the electric two-wheeler is controlled as a function of this determined body movement (40).