Power-Assisted Bicycle Torque Control for Adaptive Rider Assistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power-assisted bicycles provide a monotonous and invariant auxiliary force, which may not be suitable for ordinary users due to differences in cycling habits, riding techniques, and physical fitness, leading to an uncomfortable and fatiguing riding experience.

Innovation Solution

An auxiliary force control system and method that utilizes a sensing device, a mobile computing device with Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models, and controllers to dynamically adjust the motor's auxiliary force based on user-specific data, historical riding data, and environmental conditions, ensuring a tailored assistance for each rider.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional power-assisted bicycles provide a fixed auxiliary force determined by manufacturer testing, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the auxiliary force is not suitable for ordinary users with different cycling habits, body shapes, and stamina levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different usersVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of auxiliary force by equipping the bicycle with sensors that detect user parameters (weight, height, age) and riding conditions, then automatically adjusts motor output in real-time through a control system. This transforms the fixed auxiliary force into a dynamic, adaptive parameter that responds to user needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor user characteristics and riding status, transmit this data to a controller, and the controller adjusts the motor's auxiliary force accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to adapt to different users automatically without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the auxiliary force is increased to provide effort-saving effects, then users with lower stamina benefit, but users with higher stamina find the auxiliary force too high and exercise effects are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffort-saving effectVSAvoidsuitability for different stamina levels

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of auxiliary force based on detected user parameters. By inputting user data (weight, height, age) and riding conditions into the control algorithm, the system calculates and adjusts the appropriate auxiliary force level, ensuring it provides effort-saving effects for low-stamina users while maintaining exercise benefits for high-stamina users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a throttle handle is provided for user control, then the user can manually adjust motor output, but the user's wrist has to continuously exert force to rotate and maintain the position, causing fatigue on long trips

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual control capabilityVSAvoidcontinuous wrist exertion duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates the need for manual throttle control by implementing self-service functionality. Sensors automatically detect user intent and riding conditions, and the control system autonomously adjusts the motor's auxiliary force without requiring the user to physically manipulate any controls. The system serves itself by making intelligent decisions based on sensed data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the auxiliary force is decreased to maintain exercise effects, then health benefits are preserved, but users with lower stamina do not achieve sufficient effort-saving effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexercise effect maintenanceVSAvoideffort-saving effect for low-stamina users

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the auxiliary force parameter based on detected user characteristics. For users with lower stamina, the system increases auxiliary force to provide effort-saving effects, while for users with higher stamina, it reduces auxiliary force to maintain exercise benefits. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between exercise maintenance and effort-saving effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12304317B2Auxiliary force control system and method for power-assisted bicycle

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 SINBON ELECTRONICS

AI summary

An auxiliary force control system and a method for a power-assisted bicycle are disclosed. The system has a sensing device, a mobile computing device, a first controller, and a second controller. The sensing device receives a riding torque and a riding speed. The mobile computing device generates a tuning factor via a first and a second ANN model. Personal data and historical riding data are input data of the first ANN model. Predicted grade outputted by the first ANN model, the personal data, and environment data are input data of the second ANN model. The first controller generates a final factor according to the tuning factor, a mode factor, and a gap-range factor. The second controller outputs a motor driver current according to a parameter of target output of the motor, which is generated based on the final factor, to the motor to drive the motor.