Electronic Controller for Human-Powered Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional controllers for human-powered vehicles rely on rider visual acknowledgment of the environment, which can be inefficient and uncomfortable, especially in complex or hazardous conditions, as they do not provide real-time feedback on road conditions or obstacles.
Innovation Solution
An electronic controller and control system that uses a processor to obtain environmental information through detection devices emitting electromagnetic waves and outputs notifications via vibration, sound, or visible light to the rider, allowing for real-time awareness of road conditions and obstacles, and can control vehicle components such as shifting, braking, and suspension based on this information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the rider visually checks and acknowledges the surrounding environment, then the rider can be aware of road conditions and obstacles, but the rider cannot travel comfortably at ease due to constant visual monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a notification device as an intermediary between the detection device and the rider. The detection device captures environmental information, and the notification device transmits this information to the rider through vibrations, sounds, or visible lights, eliminating the need for the rider to visually monitor the environment directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual system of direct rider observation with an electronic sensing and notification system. Detection devices using electromagnetic waves substitute for human visual inspection, and electronic notification devices substitute for direct sensory perception, allowing the rider to maintain comfort while receiving environmental information.
2Reliability
If conventional controllers rely on rider visual acknowledgment, then the system remains simple, but real-time feedback on road conditions and obstacles is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into distinct functional modules: detection devices for capturing environmental information, a processor for analyzing the data, and notification devices for transmitting alerts. This segmentation enables real-time feedback while organizing complexity into manageable, specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where detection devices continuously monitor the environment, the processor analyzes the data in real-time, and the notification device provides immediate feedback to the rider. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable real-time environmental information without requiring complex manual monitoring systems.
3Loss of information
If the notification device provides detailed environmental information, then the rider gains comprehensive awareness, but the notification device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of transmitting various types of environmental information through multiple channels (vibrations, sounds, visible lights). This universal approach allows comprehensive information delivery using a single integrated device rather than multiple specialized devices, managing complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances rider comfort and safety by providing real-time environmental awareness and adaptive control of the vehicle, allowing for smoother and more controlled travel, especially in challenging conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a detection device that is configured to detect an electromagnetic wave having a frequency of 30 GHz or higher and excluding visible light
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic controller and a control system are provided that allow the rider to comfortably ride a human-powered vehicle. The electronic controller includes at least one processor configured to control a notification device based on environmental information related to a surrounding environment of a human-powered vehicle.