E-bike Push Assist Speed Control via Tilt Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric bicycle pushing aids do not adapt torque to the angle of inclination, making it difficult for physically impaired individuals to navigate slopes and potentially reducing speed on inclines or uneven surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A control method for an electric motor that adjusts the pushing aid speed based on detected angles of inclination and vertical acceleration, using sensors to determine a target speed that is dynamically adjusted to match the terrain, ensuring the speed of the electric bicycle is adapted to the current incline and surface conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the pushing aid speed is set to the maximum legal speed (6 km/h), then the pushing aid can provide sufficient speed on level ground, but it becomes too fast to control and safe on slopes and inclines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed regulation by continuously adjusting the pushing aid speed based on real-time detection of angle of inclination and acceleration data. The control unit modifies the motor output dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed maximum speed, allowing the system to adapt to changing terrain conditions and maintain safety while preserving performance on level ground.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms by using sensors to detect angle of inclination and acceleration, then feeding this information back to the control unit which adjusts the motor speed accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the pushing aid responds appropriately to slope conditions, reducing speed on inclines and maintaining optimal speed on level surfaces.
2Reliability
If the pushing aid speed is reduced on slopes to ensure safety, then safety is improved, but the pushing aid becomes ineffective on level ground where maximum speed is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts speed based on terrain conditions rather than operating at a fixed reduced speed. On level ground, the pushing aid delivers maximum legal speed for optimal productivity, while automatically reducing speed only when slope detection triggers the safety protocol, thus maintaining effectiveness across different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different speed characteristics to different spatial conditions - maximum speed on level ground and reduced speed on slopes. The control system identifies the local terrain condition and applies the appropriate speed setting, ensuring optimal productivity where needed while maintaining safety where required.
3Device complexity
If the torque is kept constant regardless of angle of inclination, then the motor control is simple, but physically impaired users cannot follow the pushing aid on inclines
Solution Approach 1:
The motor control transitions from static constant torque to dynamic torque adjustment based on angle of inclination detection. The control unit calculates the required torque compensation based on the detected slope angle, automatically increasing torque output on inclines to maintain pushing aid speed and reducing torque on level ground, thereby assisting users without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of torque based on terrain detection, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust settings. The control unit automatically compensates for slope effects by detecting angle of inclination and adjusting motor output accordingly, making the pushing aid adaptive to terrain without user involvement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and control algorithms are added to detect angle of inclination and adjust speed, then adaptability to terrain is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions - it processes angle of inclination data, processes acceleration data, determines terrain conditions, and controls motor speed and torque. By consolidating these functions in a single control unit rather than separate dedicated components for each function, the system achieves high terrain adaptability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the angle detection, acceleration detection, and motor control functions into an integrated control system. The control unit merges multiple sensing inputs and control outputs into a unified control algorithm, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining full terrain adaptability.
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 enhances the ease and comfort of pushing an electric bicycle on slopes and uneven surfaces by ensuring the speed of the pushing aid is optimized, improving safety and usability for cyclists, particularly on inclines and uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for detecting a variable that represents the current angle of inclination of the electric bicycle about the transverse axis of the electric bicycle
Implementation Method 2
a further sensor for detecting the current acceleration of the electric bicycle in the direction of the vertical axis of the electric bicycle
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a control method for an electric motor for regulating the push assist function of an electric bicycle as a function of a detected tilt angle of the electric bicycle, and to a device configured to perform this method. The invention also relates to an electric bicycle with the device according to the invention. The control method includes a detection feature for the activation of the push assist function. If the push assist function is activated, the current tilt angle of the electric bicycle about its transverse axis is detected. Subsequently, a target speed for the push assist function is determined as a function of the maximum speed for the push assist function and as a function of the detected tilt angle. The determined target speed is less than or equal to the maximum speed, which preferably represents the legally prescribed limit speed for the push assist function.The electric motor's speed is regulated based on the determined target speed. This control system adjusts the speed of the push assist to the current incline of the route. This makes pushing a heavy e-bike uphill easier and more comfortable.