Pedal-Assisted Electric Two-Wheeler for Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric two-wheeled vehicles face limitations in drive range due to battery constraints, leading to increased weight, size, and cost, and anxiety for users when batteries drain, as they require charging or towing, deterring adoption.
Innovation Solution
A pedal-assisted RTO registrable two-wheeled electric vehicle that combines electric bike propulsion with bicycle-like pedal assistance, featuring a hub motor, pedal sprocket, and chain sprocket, allowing hybrid performance and manual operation in low battery conditions, with a control module managing power delivery between pedaling and battery modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery packs with large size and capacity are used to increase drive range, then drive range is improved, but weight, size, packaging space requirement and price increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power source into two segments: a battery pack for electric propulsion and a manual pedal assembly for mechanical assistance. This segmentation allows the vehicle to achieve extended range without requiring a single large-capacity battery, thereby reducing weight while maintaining operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is designed with multi-functionality, allowing it to operate in multiple modes: pure electric mode using the battery pack, pure manual mode using the pedal assembly, and hybrid mode combining both. This universal design enables the system to achieve extended range without the need for oversized battery capacity, thus avoiding excessive weight.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery packs with large size and capacity are used to increase drive range, then drive range is improved, but packaging space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is segmented into battery pack and pedal assembly, allowing the battery to be smaller in capacity while the pedal assembly provides supplementary range extension. This reduces the volume required for battery packaging while achieving the same operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a mechanical dimension (pedal assistance) to the existing electrical dimension (battery propulsion). This dimensional addition allows range extension without increasing battery volume, as the mechanical system occupies different spatial requirements.
3Duration of action of moving object
If battery packs with large size and capacity are used to increase drive range, then drive range is improved, but price increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is divided into battery pack and pedal assembly, allowing the use of a smaller, less expensive battery while achieving extended range through mechanical assistance. This segmentation reduces the overall cost compared to using a single large-capacity battery system.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedal assembly serves as a cost-effective, simple mechanical system that extends range without requiring expensive high-capacity battery technology. This approach uses simpler, cheaper components to achieve the same functional goal.
4Reliability
If the battery drains off while riding, the vehicle has to be pushed or towed to a nearest charging point, then range anxiety is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pedal assembly is pre-configured and integrated into the vehicle structure, allowing immediate manual operation when battery power is depleted. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for external pushing or towing, as the rider can seamlessly transition to pedaling mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle operates dynamically, allowing seamless transition between electric mode, hybrid mode, and manual mode based on battery status and rider needs. This dynamic adaptability maintains ease of operation while eliminating range anxiety.
5Reliability
If the vehicle is designed to be pedaled manually in case of low battery level, then range anxiety is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric bike propulsion system with a traditional bicycle pedal system into a unified hybrid vehicle. This combination allows manual pedaling capability without requiring separate, complex mechanisms, as the pedal assembly integrates with the existing drivetrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is designed with multi-functionality, allowing it to operate in multiple modes: pure electric mode, pure manual mode, and hybrid mode. This universal design achieves range anxiety reduction while managing complexity through a single integrated system that serves multiple purposes.
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
Enhances drive range, reduces anxiety with hybrid performance, makes transportation more affordable and environmentally friendly, and addresses range anxiety by enabling manual operation when batteries are low, while being lightweight and compact.
Implementation Method 1
A hub motor is mounted on the rear axle of the rear wheel for driving the rear wheel... Connectors connect the battery pack to the hub motor to drive the hub motor which in turn drives the rear wheel to drive the vehicle at a top speed greater than 25 kmph
Implementation Method 2
A pedal assembly is mounted at the operative above the ground level of the frame between the front wheel and the rear wheel... A pedal sprocket is fitted to the pedal assembly, a chain sprocket is fitted to the rear axle, and a drive chain is wound around the pedal sprocket and the chain sprocket to assist in driving the vehicle by means of the pedal
Implementation Method 3
The torque sensor is configured to sense the torque applied by the pedal assembly while driving, and is further configured to generate a sensed torque value
Implementation Method 4
A sensing unit is fitted in the accelerator for sensing the angular displacement of the accelerator to generate a sensed displacement value
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to electric road-legal vehicles, and provides a pedal-assisted RTO registrable two-wheeled electric vehicle (20). The vehicle (20) includes a hub motor (8) mounted on its rear wheel (9) axle, and a pedal assembly (6). The vehicle (20) houses a battery pack (2), and a swing arm. The battery pack (2) drives the hub motor (8) at power greater than 250 Watts and top speed greater than 25 kmph. A sensing unit senses the angular displacement of an accelerator (1) to generate a sensed displacement value. A torque sensor (7) is fitted in the frame near the pedals, to sense the torque applied by the pedal assembly (6) while driving, and generate a sensed torque value. A control module receives the sensed displacement value and the sensed torque value to generate an actuating signal for supplying power from the battery pack (2) to drive the hub motor (8).