E-Bike Assistance Mode Control with Dynamic KPI-Based Sorting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electric bicycles do not fully utilize their support modes, leading to inefficient user experience and limited customization options.

Innovation Solution

A control system for an electric bicycle that allows users to select and configure support modes through a control unit, which includes a user interface and configuration interface, enabling sorting and customization of modes based on key performance indicators and user preferences, and automatically adjusts settings based on riding behavior and environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple support modes are provided with fixed manufacturer-defined sequences, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different user preferences and conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic sorting of support modes based on key performance indicators (KPIs) that are calculated in real-time. The control unit automatically reorders the sequence of support modes according to their calculated KPI values, transforming a static manufacturer-defined sequence into a dynamic user-adapted sequence. This allows the system to adapt to different user preferences and riding conditions without requiring manual reconfiguration or increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of support mode sequence from a fixed manufacturer-defined order to a variable order based on calculated KPIs. By introducing KPI calculation and sorting mechanisms, the system transforms the static parameter into a dynamic one that automatically adjusts based on performance data, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If support modes are pre-configured by manufacturers with fixed sequences, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for customization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the support mode sequence to self-adjust based on automatically calculated KPIs. The control unit performs the sorting operation autonomously without requiring user intervention or complex manual configuration. The system serves itself by automatically optimizing the support mode sequence according to performance data, thereby improving ease of operation while keeping device complexity low through automated self-configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of KPIs for each support mode before presenting them to the user in sorted order. By pre-calculating the performance indicators and automatically sorting the modes beforehand, the system eliminates the need for users to manually evaluate and rank multiple support modes, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If users can manually evaluate and rank support modes based on personal preferences, then the adaptability improves, but the loss of time for configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of user evaluation and ranking with an automated electronic KPI calculation and sorting system. The control unit automatically computes performance indicators and orders support modes based on these calculations, eliminating the time-consuming manual evaluation process while maintaining full adaptability to user preferences through objective performance data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where KPIs are calculated based on objective performance data from each support mode. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically determine the optimal sequence without requiring users to spend time on subjective evaluation. The calculated KPIs provide immediate, objective feedback that enables rapid automatic sorting, thereby reducing configuration time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If the sequence of support modes is fixed, then the reliability of manufacturer specifications is maintained, but the adaptability to different riding conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static fixed sequence into a dynamic sequence that automatically adapts to different riding conditions through real-time KPI calculation and sorting. The control unit maintains reliability by using objective, calculable performance indicators while simultaneously achieving adaptability by reordering modes based on current conditions and user preferences, resolving the contradiction between fixed specifications and flexible adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4392318B1Control system for an electric bicycle
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4392318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4392318B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4392318B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a control system (1) for an electric bicycle (2), comprising an operating unit (4) which is configured to control a ride controller (3) of the electric bicycle (2), wherein the operating unit (4) is configured to allow a user to select among a plurality of assistance modes via an operating interface (7a), and to control the ride controller in such a way that a drive control for a motor (11) of the bicycle (2) is carried out according to the selected assistance mode.