Chainless E-Bike Pedal Load Adjustment Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chainless electric bicycles face inefficiencies in generating efficiency due to heat loss in the pedal load adjustment unit, which is caused by increased voltage input leading to reduced output voltage and necessitates additional circuitry to limit voltage.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pedal load adjustment unit with plural capacitors and switches that alternately charge and discharge voltage to minimize heat loss, using an electronic control unit to manage the operation of these components and adjust pedal load, thereby reducing voltage drops and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the amount of power generated from the generator is increased, then the charging efficiency of the battery is improved, but voltage input to the pedal load adjustment unit rises causing heat loss at switching elements and resistors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the voltage regulation function into multiple capacitors (first, second, and third capacitors) that operate in different voltage ranges. Each capacitor handles specific voltage levels, dividing the overall voltage regulation task to minimize heat loss in any single component while maintaining high charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the pedal load adjustment unit by using multiple capacitors with different capacitance values (first capacitor: 470μF, second capacitor: 220μF, third capacitor: 100μF) to handle different voltage levels. This parameter differentiation allows efficient power transfer while reducing heat generation through optimized voltage distribution.
2Power
If the amount of power generated from the generator is increased, then more power is available to charge the battery, but output voltage from the pedal load adjustment unit rises requiring additional voltage-limiting circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional pedal load adjustment unit where the same circuit components (capacitors and switching elements) perform both power regulation and voltage limitation functions. The first, second, and third capacitors collectively handle both voltage regulation and peak voltage suppression, eliminating the need for separate voltage-limiting circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the voltage regulation function and voltage limitation function into a single integrated circuit architecture. The combination of multiple capacitors with the switching elements creates a unified system that simultaneously regulates output voltage and limits peak voltages, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If a conventional pedal load adjustment unit is used, then voltage regulation is achieved, but heat loss occurs and additional voltage-limiting circuits are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic voltage regulation through the coordinated switching of multiple capacitors. The first, second, and third capacitors are switched in and out based on real-time voltage conditions, creating a dynamic response that maintains reliable voltage regulation while adapting to varying power generation levels without requiring static additional circuits.
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 significantly reduces heat loss and increases generating efficiency by alternately operating switches to control voltage output, allowing for efficient power adjustment and reduced manufacturing costs without the need for heat-radiation structures.
Implementation Method 1
a generator to generate voltage by operation of pedals
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier to rectify AC voltage generated from the generator to DC voltage
Implementation Method 3
plural capacitors configured to be charged with the voltage generated from the generator
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an electric bicycle. The electric bicycle includes a battery (23), a generator (21) to generate voltage by operation of pedals, and a pedal load adjustment unit to adjust pedal load applied to the pedals by controlling voltage generated from the generator and used to charge the battery. The pedal load adjustment unit includes plural capacitors (C1, C2, C3) configured to be charged with the voltage generated from the generator and plural switches (S1, S2, S3) configured to operate alternately so that the voltage generated from the generator is discharged to the capacitors to charge the capacitors and the voltage stored in the capacitors is discharged to the battery to charge the battery.