E-bike Cargo Control via Pressure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for human-powered vehicles lack the ability to appropriately control electrical components based on the position of cargo on the cargo bed, which can lead to instability and potential cargo falls during transportation.

Innovation Solution

A control system that includes a pressure detector to detect the position of cargo on the cargo bed and an electronic controller to adjust the motor output accordingly, setting different maximum output values and notification operations to ensure cargo stability and assist the rider based on cargo position and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the motor output is increased to assist the rider, then the productivity is improved, but the cargo may fall from the cargo bed due to instability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassist forceVSAvoidcargo stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motor output is dynamically adjusted based on the detected cargo position. When cargo is detected at a stable position, higher motor output is permitted to provide better assist force. When cargo is detected at an unstable position, motor output is restricted to prevent cargo fall. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure detector continuously monitors the cargo position and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to adjust the motor output in real-time, ensuring that productivity is maximized when cargo is stable while preventing cargo fall when cargo becomes unstable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the motor output is restricted to prevent cargo fall, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity decreases due to reduced assist force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo stabilityVSAvoidassist force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts motor output based on cargo position feedback. When cargo is detected at a stable position, the motor output is increased to provide maximum assist force for high productivity. When cargo is detected at an unstable position, motor output is restricted to ensure cargo stability. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need for constant restriction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes the motor output parameter based on the detected cargo position. When cargo is stable, the motor output parameter is set to a higher value for better assist force. When cargo is unstable, the motor output parameter is set to a lower value to prevent cargo fall. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a pressure detector is added to detect cargo position, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo stability controlVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure detector uses a simple mechanical pressure sensing mechanism to detect cargo position, replacing complex vision systems or multiple sensors. The detector generates electrical signals based on pressure applied by cargo, providing reliable cargo position detection with minimal added complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure detector acts as an intermediary between the cargo and the controller, translating physical cargo position into electrical signals that the controller can process. This simple intermediary device enables reliable cargo position detection without requiring complex control system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system effectively prevents cargo from falling by adjusting motor output and providing user notifications, ensuring stable and comfortable riding by adapting to cargo position and weight, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure detector configured to be provided to a cargo bed of the human-powered vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20230148103A1Control system and control device for human-powered vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.05.11 SHIMANO INC
  • US20230148103A1 patent drawing
  • US20230148103A1 patent drawing
  • US20230148103A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A control system includes a pressure detector, an electrical component and an electronic controller. The control system is configured to appropriately control the electrical component in accordance with a position of a cargo disposed on a cargo bed. configured to be provided to the cargo bed of a human-powered vehicle. The electronic controller is configured to control the electrical component in accordance with a position of the cargo disposed on the cargo bed. The position of the cargo is detected by the pressure detector.