Electric Bicycle Walk-Mode Control with Sensor-Validated Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric bicycle control methods with a two-stage activation concept for the walk mode are not intuitive and prone to accidental activation, making them difficult to use and potentially unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A single-stage activation method using trigger signals and sensor measurements to ensure plausibility, allowing intuitive operation and preventing accidental activation by evaluating signals such as bicycle position, speed, driver torque, and user cadence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-stage activation concept is used for the walk mode, then accidental activation is reduced, but the operation becomes less intuitive and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The activation process is divided into two independent stages: first, activating the enabling function by pushing the operating element once; second, activating the walk mode by holding the operating element. This segmentation allows each stage to serve its specific purpose - the first stage prevents accidental activation while the second stage provides intuitive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The enabling function is activated in advance as a preliminary action before the actual walk mode activation. By requiring the user to first push the operating element once to enable activation, the system prepares a controlled state that prevents accidental activation during subsequent operation.
2Device complexity
If a single operating element is used for activation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of accidental activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element's function changes dynamically based on the activation stage. In the first stage, a single push enables activation; in the second stage, holding the element activates the walk mode. This dynamic behavior allows a single operating element to provide secure activation without increasing physical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element continues to be the sole activation mechanism throughout both stages, maintaining continuous usefulness. The element first enables activation, then executes activation when held, ensuring no additional components are needed while maintaining activation security through temporal separation of functions.
3Reliability
If the walk mode activation requires holding the operating element, then accidental activation is prevented, but the activation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The activation process is segmented into two temporal phases: the enabling phase (single push) and the activation phase (holding). The holding requirement in the second phase prevents accidental activation during the actual mode switch, while the first phase completes quickly to minimize overall time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an electric bicycle that can be operated with motor force and/or with pedal force is disclosed. The method includes (i) providing a trigger signal for enabling the activation of a walk mode to a control unit of the electric bicycle, (ii) providing a measurement signal of a sensor device regarding a property of the electric bicycle and/or regarding a component comprised by the electric bicycle to the control unit, (iii) detecting plausibility of the trigger signal on the basis of the provided measurement signal, and (iv) controlling the electric bicycle by enabling the activation of the walk mode in accordance with the detection of the plausibility of the trigger signal. Also disclosed is an electric bicycle that can be operated with motor force and/or with pedal force.