Motor-Assisted Pram Control with Dynamic Force Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized prams lack simplicity, robustness, and precise control, often providing unnecessary assistance and inefficient battery usage due to rigid response behaviors based on fixed force thresholds.
Innovation Solution
A pram frame equipped with force and velocity sensors, a control unit, and electric motors that adjust assistance based on dynamic force and velocity thresholds, ensuring assistance only when needed, and using soft transitions to optimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed force thresholds are used for motor assistance, then the control system is simple, but the assistance is provided unnecessarily and battery usage is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed force thresholds to dynamic force thresholds that adapt in real-time based on detected push bar forces and velocity. The control unit continuously adjusts the assistance level according to current operating conditions, enabling the system to provide assistance only when genuinely needed while maintaining simple operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the force threshold parameter from a static value to a dynamic value that changes based on velocity and applied force conditions. This allows the motor assistance system to optimize its energy consumption by adjusting its activation criteria according to real-time sensor data.
2Device complexity
If rigid response behavior is used, then the control logic is simple, but the pram lacks precise control and user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a closed-loop control system where force sensors and velocity sensors continuously monitor operating conditions, and the control unit adjusts motor assistance based on this feedback. This enables precise control and improved user comfort while maintaining relatively simple control logic through rule-based threshold comparisons.
3Ease of operation
If motor assistance is always active, then the pram is easy to move, but unnecessary battery drain occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing motor assistance only partially - specifically when the detected force on the push bar exceeds the dynamic threshold. This prevents excessive battery consumption by avoiding unnecessary assistance while still providing help when genuinely needed, optimizing the balance between ease of moving and energy conservation.
4Device complexity
If simple force detection is used, then the sensor system is simple, but the assistance cannot be precisely adapted to user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using the force sensor data in combination with velocity sensor data to achieve both simple force detection and precise adaptation of assistance. The force sensors serve multiple purposes: detecting push bar force magnitude, determining direction of push, and contributing to dynamic threshold calculations, thereby achieving precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 precise, user-friendly operation with efficient motor assistance, preventing unnecessary battery drain and improving safety and reliability by adapting assistance to actual user needs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force sensor device for detecting a direction and/or an amount of a force and/or a force component which acts on the push bar
Implementation Method 2
at least one motor, in particular an electric motor, for the assisted driving of the pram or pram frame
Implementation Method 3
The at least one sensor can be arranged (in particular if it is designed to detect a velocity) on or in the wheels or in their immediate surroundings
Data Source
AI summary
Pram or pram frame, comprising at least one motor, in particular an electric motor, for the assisted driving of the pram or pram frame, a push bar for pushing the pram or pram frame, at least one force sensor device for detecting a direction and/or an amount of a force and/or a force component which acts on the push bar, and/or for detecting a variable derived from this force or force component, in particular a torque and/or a change of the force or force component over time, at least one velocity sensor device for determining a velocity of the pram or pram frame, and at least one control unit, which is configured in such a way that the motor assistance is adapted in dependence on a comparison of the measured force and/or force component and/or the variable derived therefrom to a force threshold value, wherein the force threshold value is established in dependence on a comparison of the measured velocity to a velocity threshold value.