Pedal Drive Clearance Detection for Ghost Pedaling Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric bicycles with central motor systems face issues with ghost pedaling and self-pedaling, as current methods fail to effectively detect and prevent these conditions without relying on additional electrical force or switch activation.
Innovation Solution
A drive system with a clearance in the drive train that includes a return device, utilizing a spring element to counteract clearance-induced movements, and a detection mechanism using passage indicator devices to determine the idle or end stop positions of the drive components, allowing for the detection of pedal-induced forces and the switching of the drive motor accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If speed sensors and torque sensors are used to detect rider input, then ghost pedaling and self-pedaling can be prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex sensor suites and implements it through a simple mechanical clearance detection system. The passage indicator devices and detection device directly sense the idle position of drive components without requiring multiple sensors, thereby achieving ghost pedaling prevention with minimal device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces passage indicator devices as intermediaries between the drive components and the detection device. These indicators translate the mechanical idle position into detectable signals, enabling reliable detection of ghost pedaling conditions without requiring complex sensor arrays.
2Speed
If the drive motor continuously delivers energy, then the vehicle can respond quickly to pedaling, but energy consumption increases when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic detection of the idle position through passage indicator devices that continuously monitor drive component positions. This periodic monitoring enables the control unit to switch the drive motor on or off appropriately, achieving quick response when needed while conserving energy during coasting or downhill segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the detection device continuously monitors the idle position of drive components and provides signals to the control unit. This feedback enables the control unit to adjust drive motor operation in real-time, ensuring quick response to actual pedaling while preventing unnecessary energy consumption during ghost pedaling or coasting conditions.
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
Prevents ghost pedaling and self-pedaling by accurately identifying idle or end stop positions, ensuring the drive motor only delivers energy when necessary, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of electric bicycles.
Implementation Method 1
The return device preferably encompasses a spring device that can be embodied in particular as a spring element that generates a return force or a return torque upon deflection out of the idle position
Data Source
AI summary
A drive system for a pedal-operable vehicle, including a drive motor, pedals on pedal arms, a bottom bracket spindle on which the pedal arms are mounted, and a drive mechanism for transferring drive energy. A clearance is present in a transfer path between a pedal arm and a drive wheel, rotating with the bottom bracket spindle, of the drive mechanism. The system includes a return device with which the clearance-affected parts are transferable, at or below an idle pedal force within their clearance with respect to one another, into an idle position in which the clearance-affected parts assume a predefined relative position; the clearance-affected parts being removable, within the clearance, from the idle position by way of pedal force above the idle pedal force against the action of the return device; and information as to whether the clearance-affected parts are in an idle position being furnishable as electrical signals.