Electric Vehicle Generator Counter Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-powered vehicles, such as bicycles, face challenges in efficiently harnessing dynamic human energy while maintaining a user-friendly experience, as the mechanical chain transmission systems require maintenance and alignment, and previous electric solutions lack precise control over pedaling force and speed.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with an electric motor powered by a generator connected to a dynamic source through a transmission mechanism, where a controller adjusts counter torque to regulate pedal speed, using a closed-loop system to match the driver's experience of a traditional chain transmission system, eliminating the need for mechanical torque measurements and ensuring precise control over pedal velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical chain transmission system is used to transfer human power, then the energy transfer is efficient and the user experience is familiar, but the system requires maintenance, has alignment issues, and involves multiple mechanical parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical chain transmission system with an electric motor-driven system. The generator converts human pedaling power to electrical energy, which then powers an electric motor to drive the wheel, eliminating chains, cogwheels, and other mechanical transmission components that require maintenance and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical chain transmission system from the vehicle, separating the power transfer function into distinct electrical components (generator, battery, motor) that eliminate the need for mechanical linkages between pedals and wheels.
2Ease of operation
If a generator is used to convert human power to electrical energy, then maintenance needs are reduced, but precise control over pedaling force and speed becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop control system with a controller that receives feedback about pedaling speed and force, and adjusts the generator's counter torque accordingly. This maintains optimal pedaling conditions (60-90 rpm) while maximizing energy harvesting efficiency, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the generator's counter torque dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The controller continuously adjusts the counter torque based on real-time pedaling conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying human power output while maintaining optimal operating parameters for both user comfort and energy harvesting.
3Productivity
If counter torque is increased to harvest more human energy, then energy generation increases, but the pedaling experience becomes less comfortable and natural
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial counter torque rather than maximum possible torque. The controller adjusts the generator's counter torque to provide just enough resistance to maintain optimal pedaling speed (60-90 rpm) and maximize energy harvesting, without applying excessive force that would make pedaling uncomfortable or unnatural for the user.
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
This solution allows for efficient energy harvesting while providing a comfortable pedaling experience by dynamically adjusting counter torque, reducing mechanical complexity and maintaining pedal speed precision, thus enhancing user experience and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (6) connected to a dynamic, naturally powered source through a transmission mechanism
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor (4) attached to a wheel (3) of the vehicle, that makes the wheel rotate
Implementation Method 3
the generator is capable of adding a counter force to the operation of the transmission mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a drive system wherein a typically chain power transmission system is replaced by an electric motor and where the electric motor is powered by a generator, and where the generator is connected to a dynamic naturally powered source through a transmission mechanism, the dynamic naturally powered source being, such as, but not limited to, a biologically driven source like the pedals of a bike operated by a human being. This may be directly linked or there may be energy storage means in-between. The present invention introduces such a vehicle where the generator is capable of adding a controllable counter torque, or more generally a counter force, to the operation of the transmission mechanism and where the energy generation in the generator is related to the counter torque.