E-Bike Tilt Control to Block Torque After a Fall

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Solution Overview

Problem

Two-wheelers with electric motors pose a risk of uncontrolled starting when fallen, as the silent operation makes it difficult for users to determine if the engine is still active, potentially leading to accidents.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines the angle of inclination and speed of the two-wheeler, comparing these values to threshold levels to prevent torque delivery to the drive wheel by interrupting the motor or switching it off, ensuring the vehicle remains stationary until safe to upright.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the electric motor is kept running during vehicle fall, then the vehicle can be quickly righted, but the risk of uncontrolled torque delivery and accidents increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle righting speedVSAvoiduncontrolled torque delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control device preemptively detects vehicle inclination angle and speed to identify fall conditions before the user rights the vehicle. By determining that the vehicle is in a fallen state (inclination angle exceeding threshold) and moving slowly (speed below threshold), the system proactively prevents torque delivery by interrupting the mechanical connection or switching off the motor, eliminating the hazard before the user attempts to right the vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary between the throttle input and the electric motor. When a fall is detected, the control device blocks the signal transmission from the throttle lever to the motor controller, or interrupts the mechanical connection between the motor and drive wheel. This intermediary action prevents the user's throttle input from causing uncontrolled torque delivery while allowing the vehicle to be safely righted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the throttle signal is blocked during vehicle fall, then torque delivery is prevented, but the user feedback and control responsiveness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque delivery preventionVSAvoiduser control responsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device dynamically adjusts its behavior based on real-time vehicle state. When the vehicle is in a normal operating state, the throttle signal is fully responsive. When a fall is detected (inclination angle and speed thresholds exceeded), the control device dynamically blocks the throttle signal only for the duration of the fall condition. Once the vehicle is righted and returns to normal operation, full throttle control is restored, maintaining user feedback and control responsiveness when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the throttle control based on vehicle state. During normal operation, the throttle lever has full effect on motor torque. During detected fall conditions, the parameter change blocks the throttle signal transmission, effectively setting throttle influence to zero. This parameter change is temporary and reversible, restoring full throttle responsiveness when the vehicle returns to normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the mechanical connection is interrupted, then torque transmission is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque transmission blockingVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical torque blocking mechanisms with electronic control systems. Instead of using mechanical clutches or disconnect devices that would add physical complexity, the system uses electronic sensors to detect fall conditions and electronic controllers to block throttle signals or switch off the motor. This substitution achieves torque transmission blocking through software/control logic rather than mechanical means, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3819199B1Method and device for controlling a bicycle with an electric motor and a two-wheeled vehicle with such a device
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3819199B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3819199B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3819199B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for controlling a two-wheeled vehicle (50) with an electric motor (60). In process step a, the tilt angle (β) of the two-wheeled vehicle (50) is determined at a first time. Subsequently, in process step b, the determined tilt angle (β) is compared with a first threshold value (S1), and if the determined tilt angle (β) is greater than the first threshold value (S1), in process step c, the two-wheeled vehicle (50) is controlled such that no torque can be transmitted to a drive wheel (70) of the two-wheeled vehicle (50) by means of the electric motor (60). The invention further relates to a device (10) for controlling a two-wheeled vehicle (50) with an electric motor (60), wherein the device (10) is configured to carry out a method according to the invention. The invention also relates to a two-wheeled vehicle (50) with an electric motor (60) and a device (10) according to the invention.