Electric Vehicle Regeneration Control with Independent Braking Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing regeneration control systems in electric vehicles do not allow drivers to adjust regenerative braking force independently of mechanical braking, leading to undesirable braking experiences.

Innovation Solution

A regeneration control system with separate acceleration, brake, and regeneration operation members, along with a controller that adjusts electric power generated by the electric motor in response to regeneration commands, enabling fine-tuned adjustment of regenerative braking force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If regenerative braking force is applied automatically when acceleration operation is halted, then energy recovery is improved, but driver comfort deteriorates due to unexpected braking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy recoveryVSAvoiddriver comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the braking control into two independent systems: mechanical braking (brake operation member) and regenerative braking (regeneration operation member). This segmentation allows the driver to independently control each braking type, preventing unexpected regenerative braking from compromising comfort while maintaining energy recovery capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the regenerative braking force dynamically adjustable by the driver through the regeneration operation member. The regenerative braking force can be varied continuously based on driver input, allowing the driver to adapt the braking characteristics to their preferences and driving conditions, thereby maintaining comfort while recovering energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If regenerative braking force is adjusted continuously, then driver comfort is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking force adjustabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves multiple functions: it manages both mechanical braking and regenerative braking, handles acceleration control, and coordinates between the electric motor and electric storage device. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated control units for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving continuous regenerative braking adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If separate acceleration and regeneration operation members are provided, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidnumber of operation members
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the regeneration operation member with existing handlebar controls (such as making the clutch lever serve dual purposes or adding a dedicated but integrated control). This merging approach allows for precise independent control of acceleration and regenerative braking while minimizing the increase in device complexity by integrating the new control into the existing handlebar assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables drivers to independently adjust accelerative and regenerative braking forces, improving driving dynamics and comfort by allowing precise control over braking forces.

Implementation Method 1

the electric motor generates the electric power by rotational power applied to the electric motor by the drive wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electric storage device capable of storing the electric power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP2660093B1Regeneration control system for electric vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK
  • EP2660093B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2660093B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2660093B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A control system 33 includes an electric motor 18, an electric storage device 20, an accelerator grip 5a, a brake lever 24, a controller 16, and an adjustment lever 27. The controller 16 supplies electric power from the electric storage device 20 to the electric motor 18 in response to an acceleration command input by the accelerator grip 5a and causes the electric motor 18 to drive the rear wheel 3. The controller 16 adjusts the electric power generated by rotational power applied by the rear wheel 3 in response to an acceleration/deceleration command from the adjustment lever 27. The acceleration/deceleration adjustment lever 27 is provided separately from the brake lever 24 and the accelerator grip 5a. The brake lever 24 is able to activate a brake mechanism for mechanically braking the rear wheel 3 to decelerate a vehicle.