Control Unit for Hybrid Locomotion Torque Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control units for driver-operated transportation systems, such as bicycles, face challenges in achieving low wear, fast gear changes, minimal power transmission interruptions, low noise during switching, reduced accident risk, high driving comfort, and overall efficiency, particularly in integrating electric and mechanical drive units effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that coordinates the electric drive unit and shifting mechanism by using sensors to optimize torque loading and shifting times, ensuring the shiftable transmission is loaded minimally during gear changes, with coordinated control of the electric drive unit and switching actuator to reduce torque applied to the transmission, thereby minimizing wear and noise while enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the switching means is actuated to change the transmission ratio, then the adaptability to driving conditions is improved, but the transmission is subjected to high torque loads causing wear and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit initiates the switching process in advance by actuating the switching means before the ideal switching moment is reached. This preliminary action allows the transmission ratio to be changed while the torque demand is still low, avoiding high torque loads during the actual gear engagement. The control unit then maintains the new transmission ratio until the next switching is required, ensuring smooth transitions without wear and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the transmission ratio based on real-time driving conditions monitored by sensors. The control unit continuously evaluates the driving situation and determines the optimal switching moments, allowing the transmission system to adapt flexibly to changing conditions while avoiding switching under high torque loads. This dynamic control ensures both adaptability and protection against wear and noise.
2Speed
If the switching means is actuated immediately when a new transmission ratio is selected, then the responsiveness is improved, but the torque application to the transmission increases causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit calculates the ideal switching moment based on predicted driving conditions and actuates the switching means in advance, before the ideal moment is reached. This ensures that the actual gear engagement occurs when torque demand is low, while still achieving rapid adaptation to changing driving conditions. The system responds quickly to switching commands while avoiding high torque loads during the physical switching process.
3Ease of operation
If the transmission ratio is changed frequently to optimize performance, then the driving comfort is improved, but the switching process causes interruptions in power transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit carefully selects switching moments when torque demand is low, ensuring that power transmission remains continuous and uninterrupted. By switching during low-torque periods, the system maintains smooth power flow to the wheels without noticeable interruptions or disturbances to the driver. This approach preserves the continuity of useful action while still achieving optimal transmission ratio selection for driving comfort.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control unit (8) for use in a means of transport (100) driven by a driver is specified, wherein the means of transport (100) comprises an electric drive unit (9), a mechanical drive unit (13) operated by muscle power, at least one transmission (4) switchable by at least one switching means (5) and an output (1), wherein the control unit (8) is configured to control the switching means (5) and the electric drive unit (9), wherein the output (1) is configured to receive a first torque (15) from the mechanical drive unit (13) and a second torque (16) from the electric drive unit (9), wherein the switchable transmission (4) is configured to receive a third torque (17) from the output and convert it into a fourth torque (18), wherein the means of transport (100) is movable under the influence of the fourth torque (18).