Electric Motorcycle Virtual Braking With Regenerative Torque Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical, frictional brakes and clutches in vehicles, such as hydraulic brakes, add cost, weight, and dissipate kinetic energy, limiting the performance and range of electric vehicles by not utilizing regenerative braking capabilities.

Innovation Solution

Implementing regenerative braking systems that use electric motors to simulate mechanical brakes or clutches, allowing for the capture of braking energy and reducing the need for traditional mechanical braking systems by controlling torque commands through electronic control units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical frictional brakes are used, then braking function is achieved, but cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking functionVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical frictional brake system with an electric motor-based regenerative braking system. The electric motor acts as a generator during braking, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy to charge the battery, thereby eliminating the need for mechanical brake components and reducing overall vehicle weight while maintaining braking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric motor serves dual functions: propulsion during acceleration and regenerative braking during deceleration. This self-service capability allows the same component to perform opposite functions based on operational conditions, eliminating the need for separate mechanical braking systems and reducing vehicle weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If mechanical frictional brakes are used, then braking function is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking functionVSAvoidvehicle cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric motor serves dual functions: propulsion during acceleration and regenerative braking during deceleration. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the vehicle, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs while maintaining reliable braking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If mechanical frictional brakes are used, then braking force is applied, but kinetic energy is dissipated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebraking forceVSAvoidkinetic energy dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the previously harmful energy dissipation in mechanical brakes into a beneficial process. During regenerative braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy that charges the battery. This transforms energy loss into energy recovery, maintaining braking force while eliminating kinetic energy dissipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the electric motor, allowing it to function in reverse as a generator. By controlling the motor's operating mode based on vehicle speed and battery charge state, the system transitions from purely propulsive function to energy recovery function, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy during braking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces the cost, weight, and complexity of vehicles while maintaining or exceeding braking performance, enhancing the range and operation of electric vehicles by utilizing regenerative braking as a sole mechanism for braking, and providing a virtual brake or clutch experience.

Implementation Method 1

regenerative braking is used as the sole mechanism to brake a wheel of the vehicle... capture of braking energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRegenerative braking: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20240067296A1Motorcycle with virtual braking and virtual clutch

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 LIVEWIRE EV LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for generating a virtual torque for an electric motor of a motorcycle. One method includes detecting a position of a drive torque control included in the motorcycle, detecting a position of a regenerative brake control included in the motorcycle, mapping the detected position of the drive torque control to a requested driving torque, mapping the position of the regenerative brake control to a requested braking torque, determining, with an electronic control unit, a torque command based on the requested driving torque and the requested torque, and transmitting the torque command to an electric motor included in the motorcycle.