E-bike Controller Assist Force Limiting on Inclines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-powered vehicle control devices fail to effectively control assist force in response to varying inclination angles and transmission requests, leading to inefficient propulsion and rider load management.
Innovation Solution
A controller that adjusts the assist force of a motor in a human-powered vehicle based on inclination angle and transmission requests, using a predetermined range and switching control states to optimize assist force delivery and reduce rider load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the assist force is increased to improve propulsion on inclined terrain, then the propulsion efficiency is improved, but the rider load management becomes difficult and sudden changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The controller changes the assist force parameter based on the detected inclination angle. When the inclination angle exceeds the first threshold, the controller limits the assist force to a first predetermined value or less, preventing sudden large changes in assist force that would make rider load management difficult
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination detection unit continuously detects the inclination angle and feeds this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the assist force accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the assist force is appropriately managed relative to the current terrain conditions
2Ease of operation
If the assist force is controlled to be less than or equal to a first predetermined value on inclined terrain, then the rider load management is improved, but the propulsion efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the assist force based on real-time inclination detection. When the inclination angle is below the first threshold, the controller allows the assist force to exceed the first predetermined value, ensuring sufficient propulsion efficiency is maintained while still managing rider load when appropriate
3Power
If the assist force is controlled based on inclination angle and transmission requests, then the propulsion efficiency is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it detects inclination angle, determines whether transmission operation is requested, and adjusts assist force based on both inputs. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single control unit, avoiding the need for separate dedicated components for each function
4Ease of operation
If sudden changes in assist force are limited to improve rider load management, then the ease of operation is improved, but the responsiveness to terrain changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller proactively limits the assist force to a first predetermined value or less when the inclination angle exceeds the first threshold and transmission operation is requested. This preliminary action prevents sudden large changes in assist force before they occur, maintaining rider comfort while still responding to terrain changes
Data Source
AI summary
A human-powered vehicle control device includes a controller that controls a motor assisting propulsion of a human-powered vehicle. The controller controls the motor in a first control state in which an assist force produced by the motor becomes less than or equal to a first predetermined value in a case in which an inclination angle related to the human-powered vehicle is greater than or equal to a first predetermined angle and a request for operating a transmission provided on the human-powered vehicle is received.