Drive Wheel Counter-Torque Control for Vehicle Theft Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small motor vehicles like e-bicycles and e-scooters are susceptible to theft due to their compact design and ease of disassembly, making them attractive targets for thieves.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a motor, sensors, and processing circuitry that detects unauthorized use by sensing rotational motion of the drive wheels and generates a counteracting torque to immobilize the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle is designed to be compact and lightweight for portability, then ease of transport is improved, but susceptibility to theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting unauthorized use attempts before the thief can successfully steal the vehicle. The sensor detects wheel rotation attempts and the processing circuitry activates the motor to generate counteracting torque, preventing the theft from occurring in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful factor of unauthorized wheel rotation into a beneficial anti-theft mechanism. The motor, which normally propels the vehicle, is repurposed to generate opposing torque that immobilizes the wheels during theft attempts, turning a propulsion device into a protective mechanism
2Speed
If the vehicle uses a motor to propel the vehicle, then mobility is improved, but the motor can be used to counteract unauthorized rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by changing the operational mode of the motor based on detected conditions. During normal operation, the motor propels the vehicle forward. When unauthorized rotation is detected, the motor dynamically switches to generating counteracting torque, and the processing circuitry controls the motor's operation to adapt to different theft prevention scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The motor serves multiple functions: it acts as a propulsion device during normal vehicle operation and as an immobilization device when unauthorized use is detected. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate anti-theft mechanical components, using the existing motor to provide both mobility and security functions
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
Effectively counteracts unauthorized rotation of drive wheels, thereby deterring theft by rendering the vehicle immobile when unauthorized use is detected.
Implementation Method 1
a motor to generate torques that are applied to one or more drive wheels to cause the one or more drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
command the motor to generate a torque that is opposite the indicated rotational motion of the one or more drive wheels, the generated torque applied to the one or more drive wheels to counteract the indicated rotational motion
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided that includes receiving an indication of unauthorized use of a vehicle that includes a motor to generate torques that are applied to one or more drive wheels to cause the one or more drive wheels to rotate and propel the vehicle. The method includes receiving a sensed input from the one or more sensors. The method includes, based on the indication of the unauthorized use of the vehicle, commanding the motor to generate a torque that is opposite the indicated rotational motion of the one or more drive wheels, with the generated torque applied to the one or more drive wheels to counteract the indicated rotational motion of the one or more drive wheels.