Micro-Mobility Powertrain Dynamic Braking for Traction Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro-mobility fleet vehicles, such as stand-scooters and bicycles, have inefficient powertrains that rely on user input or external systems for braking and traction control, leading to reduced performance and user experience, as well as increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A powertrain configuration for micro-mobility fleet vehicles that includes an electric motor, a brake resistor for dynamic braking, and a motor controller to electronically couple the brake resistor to the motor, allowing for control of speed, power, and acceleration based on operational environments and directives, providing a wide range of traction control and immobilization features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional braking systems relying on user input or external systems are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and performance of the fleet vehicle deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The brake resistor provides self-service braking capability by automatically dissipating regenerative braking energy without requiring external braking systems or continuous user input. The motor controller autonomously manages the braking process by controlling power flow to the brake resistor based on operational conditions, enabling the vehicle to brake itself efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor controller serves multiple functions: it controls motor operation during propulsion, manages regenerative braking energy recovery, and controls the brake resistor for dynamic braking. This multi-functionality consolidates several systems into one controller, improving performance while managing complexity through integration rather than addition of separate systems.
2Loss of energy
If dynamic braking control is implemented through motor controller and brake resistor, then the loss of energy is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor controller continuously monitors operational conditions and dynamically adjusts power flow to the brake resistor based on real-time feedback regarding vehicle speed, motor state, and braking requirements. This feedback mechanism enables optimal energy recovery and dissipation while maintaining simple control architecture through intelligent algorithmic management rather than complex hardware additions.
3Reliability
If traction control features are provided through motor and brake resistor integration, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated motor controller and brake resistor system provides self-service traction control by automatically managing power delivery and braking force based on operational conditions without requiring user intervention. The system autonomously adjusts motor torque and applies dynamic braking as needed, improving reliability through consistent automated control while maintaining ease of operation by eliminating the need for user management of these functions.
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
The solution enhances the control and efficiency of micro-mobility fleet vehicles by dynamically adjusting speed, power, and acceleration, improving user experience and reducing costs through advanced traction control and braking capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a brake resistor configured to provide dynamic braking of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods associated with a powertrain for a micro-mobility fleet vehicle. The fleet vehicle may include at least one drive wheel to provide tractive contact between the flee vehicle and a road surface, an electric motor mechanically coupled to the drive wheel and configured to provide motive force for the fleet vehicle, a brake resistor configured to provide dynamic braking of the motor, and a motor controller electronically coupling the brake resistor to the motor. The motor controller may be configured to control the motive force provided by the motor using the brake resistor. The motor controller may be configured to limit a speed, power, and/or acceleration of the motor using the brake resistor based on an operational environment of, and/or on a directive received by, the fleet vehicle. The brake resistor may provide a relatively wide range of traction control for the fleet vehicle.