Electric Bicycle Light and Motor Control Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric bicycles lack driver convenience and power-saving properties, particularly when switching between assisted and unassisted states while the light is on, as they require manual operation of multiple buttons in a specific order, leading to inefficient power consumption and reduced convenience.
Innovation Solution
An electric bicycle with independent input means for switching between automatic and manual light states and assisted and unassisted motor states, allowing instant switching between these states and enabling power-saving modes through separate control of light and motor power, including an option to fix light states regardless of ambient brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the light is turned on and the assisted state is maintained while traveling at night, then the driver can see well and feel secure, but the power consumption of the battery becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control of light and motor assist into independent input means. The light input means controls only the light, while the assist input means controls only the motor assist, allowing independent optimization of each function's power consumption without affecting the other
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic switching between assisted and unassisted states independently of light control. The driver can instantly switch to unassisted mode when battery power is low while keeping the light on, creating a flexible power management strategy that adapts to real-time battery conditions
2Device complexity
If the transition of state is performed as shown in Fig. 4 (linked control), then the system is simple, but it is not possible to switch the assisted state to unassisted state while the light continues to be turned on
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into separate light input means and assist input means, allowing independent control of light and motor assist functions. This segmentation enables the driver to switch assist modes without affecting light operation, providing the flexibility needed for power management while keeping each control module relatively simple
3Device complexity
If multiple buttons must be operated in a specific order to switch states, then the control logic is straightforward, but the driver convenience is reduced and operations become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control functions into separate input means for light and assist, the patent eliminates the need for sequential button operations. Each function can be controlled independently and simultaneously, reducing the time required for state transitions while maintaining straightforward control logic within each segmented function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows the driver to pre-switch to unassisted mode while the light remains on, preparing the system for power-saving operation before battery depletion occurs. This preliminary action enables smoother transitions and reduces emergency operations under time pressure
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
Enhances driver convenience by allowing easy switching between states with fewer operations and reduces power consumption by enabling instant unassisted mode and power-saving features, improving overall usability and battery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light-darkness detection sensor; first input means for switching an automatic light state in which an ON-state of the light is automatically controlled according to an output of the light-darkness detection sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
There is provided an electric bicycle including a battery 35, an electric motor 60 that uses the battery 35 to generate assist power, a light 70, a light-darkness detection sensor 80, first input means 152 for performing the transition of a state to a manual light state in which the ON/OFF of the light 70 are switched by the operation of an operating element from an automatic light state in which an ON-state of the light 70 is automatically controlled according to an output of the light-darkness detection sensor 80, and second input means 153 for switching a state into an unassisted state in which the assist power of the electric motor 60 is not generated from an assisted state in which the assist power of the electric motor 60 is generated, in the automatic light state.