Electric Bicycle Modular Software Architecture for Function Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric bicycles lack the ability to easily add and extend functions, limiting their adaptability and customization.
Innovation Solution
An electric bicycle with a storage unit for control software, a control unit, and a communication interface that allows removably connected hardware and software, using a distributed-communication protocol for communication between the control software, human recognition software, and interface software, enabling the addition of features like camera functionality and assist force adjustments based on crowd detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electric bicycle design is used, then the basic riding function is provided, but the ability to add and extend functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to execute multiple types of software (control software and other software) to perform different functions. The communication interface unit can connect to various pieces of hardware (camera, sensor, display, etc.), enabling the electric bicycle to adapt to different functional requirements through software configuration rather than hardware redesign, thus achieving multi-functionality with a unified platform
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the control architecture into distinct software modules (control software for motor control, other software for additional functions) that can be independently developed, installed, and updated. This segmentation allows functions to be added or modified without affecting the core control system, facilitating easy function extension while maintaining system stability
2Adaptability or versatility
If hardware and software are fixed in traditional design, then system stability is maintained, but customization and rapid modification are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a fixed hardware-software configuration to a dynamic architecture where software can be freely installed, removed, and updated on the control unit. The communication interface unit dynamically connects to different hardware components based on user needs, enabling rapid customization and modification of system functions without physical restructuring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables software to be copied and transferred to the control unit's storage medium for installation. This allows functions to be replicated across different systems and enables rapid deployment of new features through software copying rather than hardware manufacturing, accelerating the development and customization process
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric bicycle (10) includes: an electric motor (20); a storage unit (31) in which control software for controlling the electric motor (20) is stored; a control unit (32) configured to run the control software stored in the storage unit (31); and a communication interface unit (33) to which a piece of hardware (60) is removably and communicably connected. The control unit (32) is configured to run an other piece of software different from the control software to control the piece of hardware (60) which is communicably connected to the communication interface unit (33). The other piece of software is installed in the storage unit (31). Each of the control software and the other piece of software communicates using a distributed-communication protocol.