Electric Bicycle Locking System Using Pedal Torque and Rotation Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle locks, especially for electric bicycles, often require keys for locking and unlocking, leading to issues such as lost or stolen keys, which can result in the bicycle being inaccessible or stolen.
Innovation Solution
A locking system for electric bicycles that includes a locking device, a rotational speed sensor, a torque sensor, and a controller. The system unlocks the locking device based on rotation direction information and torque information from the crank arm, allowing users to unlock the bicycle by pedaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional key-based locking mechanisms are used, then the locking system is simple and reliable, but the convenience of unlocking deteriorates when keys are lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-based locking system with an intelligent locking system that uses sensors (rotational speed sensor, torque sensor) and a controller to detect pedaling actions and automatically control the locking device, eliminating the need for physical keys and improving convenience while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system automatically locks and unlocks the bicycle based on detected pedaling actions without requiring user intervention with keys or codes. The system serves itself by using the act of pedaling as both the locking trigger and the unlocking mechanism, enhancing convenience
2Reliability
If key-based locking is used, then the device complexity is low, but the anti-theft security deteriorates when keys are lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vulnerable mechanical key system with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect authentic user actions (pedaling) and controls the locking mechanism, providing superior anti-theft security since the system cannot be opened without the proper authentication
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pedaling actions through rotational speed and torque sensors, using this feedback to determine whether to lock or unlock the bicycle. This feedback mechanism ensures that only authorized users can access the bicycle, enhancing security
3Loss of time
If the locking system requires key insertion and rotation, then the device complexity is low, but the time required for unlocking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs the locking and unlocking actions based on detected pedaling actions. The user simply needs to pedal the bicycle, and the system automatically unlocks the locking device without requiring manual key insertion, rotation, or code entry, significantly reducing unlocking time
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-programmed with the unlocking sequence that corresponds to authentic pedaling actions. When the user pedals, the system automatically executes the pre-programmed unlocking sequence, eliminating the need for the user to manually perform complex unlocking operations
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system and an unlocking method for an electric bicycle are provided. The locking system of the electric bicycle includes a locking device, a rotational speed sensor, a torque sensor, and a controller. The rotational speed sensor senses rotation direction information of a crank arm of the electric bicycle. The torque sensor obtains torque information exerted by the crank arm on a chainring of the electric bicycle. The controller is coupled to the locking device, the rotational speed sensor and the torque sensor. In response to the locking device is being a locking state, the controller unlocks the locking device according to the rotation direction information and torque information.