Handlebar Sensor Zeroing via Drop-Bar Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered wheeled transport devices, such as trolleys and wheelchairs, suffer from sensor drift due to temperature changes, leading to sensor errors that affect their operation, especially when handling heavier loads.
Innovation Solution
A sensor zeroing apparatus for a handlebar that includes a drop bar moveably coupled to the handlebar, a drop bar position sensor, and a controller that updates sensor zero values when the drop bar is in a rest position, continuously correcting for sensor drift by recalibrating sensor values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are embedded into the handlebar to capture input forces, then the device can detect user input forces, but sensor drift occurs over time or due to temperature changes leading to sensor error
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary zeroing actions by detecting when the drop bar is in the rest position and automatically updating sensor zero values before normal operation begins, preventing sensor drift errors from affecting measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors drop bar position via the position sensor and uses this feedback to determine when to perform sensor zeroing, creating a closed-loop system that maintains sensor accuracy by detecting and correcting drift conditions
2Measurement precision
If manual recalibration is performed to correct sensor drift, then sensor accuracy is restored, but the device complexity and time required for maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting drop bar position and updating sensor zero values without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the need for complex manual recalibration procedures while maintaining sensor accuracy
3Reliability
If the sensor zeroing process is performed continuously, then sensor drift is corrected, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sensor zeroing periodically based on drop bar position events rather than continuously in time, updating sensor values when the drop bar returns to the rest position which occurs naturally during normal device operation, thus maintaining sensor stability without continuous energy consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor zeroing apparatus for a handlebar including a drop bar moveably coupled to a handlebar of a wheeled transport device, wherein the drop bar is moveable relative to the handlebar between a pressed position and rest position, a drop bar position sensor located on or adjacent the handlebar, a controller is operatively coupled to the drop bar position sensor and one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors are positioned on the handlebar and/or a wheeled transport device comprising the handlebar, wherein the controller is configured to a sensor zeroing process if the drop bar is determined to be in the rest position.