Electric Bicycle Drive Control Using Inclination and Speed Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional drive control methods for electric bicycles are hindered by the vulnerability of torque-sensing devices to vibrations and moisture, leading to sensing errors, high power consumption, frequent calibration needs, and inefficient energy recovery, while relying on pedal-rotating speed sensors results in inadequate power adjustment with road slopes.
Innovation Solution
A drive device and method utilizing a compact motor, power supply/storage unit, inclination sensor, brake actuation sensor, and pedal-rotating speed sensor for integrated calculations to switch between auxiliary drive and energy recovery modes, allowing for flexible power assistance based on road slope and efficient energy storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a torque sensing device is used to provide auxiliary force, then auxiliary power can be provided based on pedaling force, but the device becomes vulnerable to vibrations and moisture causing sensing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical torque sensing device with a pedal-rotating speed sensor that detects pedal rotation speed and transmits this information to the controller. The controller then calculates appropriate auxiliary power based on the rotation speed and road slope, eliminating the need for direct torque measurement and avoiding the vulnerability of mechanical sensing devices to vibrations and moisture.
2Power
If a torque sensing device is used, then auxiliary power can be provided based on torque, but the device consumes more auxiliary power and user's physical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from direct torque measurement to pedal-rotating speed measurement. By sensing the rotation speed of the pedal and using this parameter along with road slope information to calculate auxiliary power, the system achieves efficient power delivery without the high power consumption associated with torque-sensing devices.
3Measurement precision
If a torque sensing device is used, then auxiliary power can be provided, but the device requires frequent calibration by maintenance personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for calibration by replacing the mechanical torque sensing device with a digital pedal-rotating speed sensor system. The sensor simply measures rotation speed and transmits data to the controller, which automatically calculates auxiliary power based on predefined parameters, removing the requirement for manual calibration and maintenance.
4Power
If a mechanical torque-sensing device is used, then auxiliary power can be provided, but the device has signal delay so users cannot immediately receive desired auxiliary power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical torque-sensing device with an electronic pedal-rotating speed sensor system that provides immediate digital signals to the controller. This electronic transmission eliminates mechanical signal delay, enabling real-time response and immediate delivery of auxiliary power to the user.
5Ease of manufacture
If auxiliary power is provided based on pedal-rotating speed sensor, then device cost is reduced, but auxiliary power cannot be automatically adjusted according to road slope changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces feedback from the road slope sensor to the controller. The controller receives real-time information about road slope changes and automatically adjusts the auxiliary power output accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying road conditions while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of using a pedal-rotating speed sensor rather than an expensive torque-sensing device.
6Loss of energy
If traditional energy recovery control techniques using flywheel diodes are used, then energy recovery can be achieved, but recovery time becomes long and power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic switching action through the controller to manage energy recovery. By strategically controlling the switching timing and duration of the motor during regenerative braking, the system optimizes the energy recovery process, reducing recovery time and minimizing power losses compared to traditional flywheel diode methods.
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
This solution eliminates the shortcomings of torque-sensing devices by providing appropriate power assistance and achieving higher energy recovery rates, ensuring smooth pedaling and efficient energy utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a compact motor provided on a wheel or a chainring of the electric bicycle and electrically connected with the power supply/storage unit
Implementation Method 2
a power supply/storage unit for providing and storing electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
an inclination sensor for sensing inclination information of the electric bicycle with respect to a horizontal plane
Data Source
AI summary
A drive device and a drive control method for the electric bicycle are disclosed. The drive device of the electric bicycle is equipped with a power supply/storage unit, a compact motor, an inclination sensor, a brake actuation sensor, a pedal-rotating speed sensor and a drive control module. The drive device performs integrated calculations using the inclination information of the inclination sensor, the brake actuation information of the brake actuation sensor and the pedal-rotating speed information of the pedal-rotating speed sensor, so the drive control modules instructs the compact motor and the power supply/storage unit to quickly enter an auxiliary drive mode for rotating wheels of the electric bicycle, or to enter an energy recovery mode for storing electrical energy generated by the compact motor.