E-Bike Multi-Battery Charging Control With Selective Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric bicycles face challenges in efficiently charging multiple batteries to increase driving distance while maintaining battery life and reducing switching power loss.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for controlling the charging of electric bicycles that includes an alternator, inverters, and a controller to selectively charge batteries with the highest efficiency, manage charging amounts, and minimize switching power loss through controlled switch operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If multiple batteries are provided to increase driving distance, then the driving distance is improved, but the charging control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving distanceVSAvoidcharging control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging control apparatus dynamically switches between multiple batteries based on real-time charging efficiency comparisons. The controller continuously monitors charging efficiency of each battery and selectively connects the battery with highest efficiency to the charger, enabling adaptive optimization of charging process across multiple battery units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system is segmented into multiple independent battery units, each capable of being individually charged or discharged. The controller divides the charging task by selecting specific batteries based on efficiency metrics, allowing independent management of each battery's charging state while achieving overall system optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If frequent switch control is used to optimize charging efficiency, then charging efficiency is improved, but switching power loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidswitching power loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs switching operations only when necessary to achieve significant efficiency improvements. By comparing charging efficiency thresholds and only switching when the efficiency gain justifies the switching cost, the system avoids excessive switching while maintaining optimal charging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging control apparatus implements periodic efficiency monitoring and switching decisions rather than continuous switching. The controller periodically evaluates charging efficiency of each battery and performs switching operations at predetermined intervals or when efficiency differences exceed threshold values, reducing unnecessary switching events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Duration of action of moving object

If battery capacity is increased to extend driving distance, then driving distance is improved, but battery weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving distanceVSAvoidbattery weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a single large-capacity battery, the system segments the total battery capacity into multiple smaller battery units. These multiple batteries collectively provide the required driving distance while allowing selective charging of only the most efficient batteries at any given time, optimizing the weight-to-capacity ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by dynamically selecting which battery to charge based on charging efficiency. This allows the system to utilize the full capacity of multiple batteries over time while maintaining lower instantaneous weight compared to a single large battery configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Efficient charging of multiple batteries increases the driving distance of electric bicycles and extends battery life by maintaining optimal charging levels and reducing power loss.

Implementation Method 1

an alternator for generating an AC voltage by driving a pedal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an inverter for converting the AC voltage into a DC voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4417457B1Apparatus and method for charging control of electric bicycle
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 HL MANDO CORP
  • EP4417457B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4417457B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4417457B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an apparatus for controlling the charging of an electric bicycle, including an alternator (110) for generating AC voltage by driving a pedal (23), an inverter (120) for converting the AC voltage into DC voltage, a plurality of batteries (130) for charging the DC voltage, a motor (140) which is supplied with electric power from at least one of the plurality of batteries (130) to provide a rotational force to wheels (20, 30), and a controller (150) for selectively charging the plurality of batteries (130) according to the charging efficiency of the plurality of batteries (130).