Electric Bicycle Motor Braking Through Reverse Pedal Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric bicycles require additional complex components like coaster brakes for deceleration control when pedaling in reverse, complicating the system and increasing part count.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that generates deceleration torque in the driving motor based on the moving distance of the pedal when rotated in reverse, allowing for regenerative braking and charging, and controls current to achieve proportional braking force without additional devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a coaster brake is added to enable deceleration control when rotating the pedal in reverse, then deceleration functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeceleration controlVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the deceleration function into the existing driving motor by controlling it to generate deceleration torque when the pedal is rotated in reverse. This combines the functions of the driving motor and the previously separate coaster brake into a single component, eliminating the need for additional braking devices and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driving motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides acceleration torque during forward pedal rotation and deceleration torque during reverse pedal rotation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated braking device, simplifying the overall system while maintaining full deceleration control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional parts for mounting the coaster brake are added, then braking control is enabled, but the configuration becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking controlVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the deceleration control function from the separate coaster brake component and integrates it into the driving motor's control system. This eliminates the need for additional mounting parts and complex configuration while maintaining reliable braking control through electronic control of the motor torque.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Force

If the driving motor generates deceleration torque based on pedal moving distance, then braking force is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking forceVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the pedal position sensor to detect the moving distance of the pedal during reverse rotation. This feedback information is used by the controller to calculate and adjust the deceleration torque command, enabling proportional braking force that increases with pedal rotation distance while maintaining manageable control complexity through automated feedback control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Simplifies braking control by eliminating the need for separate braking devices, providing convenient and efficient deceleration through pedal rotation, while maintaining a pedal feeling similar to chain-driven bicycles.

Implementation Method 1

generating a deceleration torque command of a driving motor based on a moving distance of a pedal if a driver rotates the pedal installed in the electric bicycle in a reverse direction while the electric bicycle is driving; controlling a current supplied to the driving motor according to the deceleration torque command; and generating a deceleration torque of the driving motor by the current control

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

if the driver rotates the pedal installed in the electric bicycle in the reverse direction, the driving motor may generate electrical energy by regenerative braking and the current supplied to the driving motor may be controlled by using the generated electrical energy. Further, the electrical energy generated by the regenerative braking may be charged in a battery mounted at the electric bicycle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRegenerative braking: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4477522A1Method and system for controlling electric bicycle
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 HL MANDO CORP
  • EP4477522A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4477522A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4477522A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and system for controlling an electric bicycle are provided. The method may comprise: driving the electric bicycle; generating a deceleration torque command of a driving motor based on a moving distance of a pedal if a driver rotates the pedal installed in the electric bicycle in a reverse direction while the electric bicycle is driving; controlling a current supplied to the driving motor according to the deceleration torque command; and generating a deceleration torque of the driving motor by the current control.