Electronic Control Module for Pedal-Powered Boat Propulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pedal-powered watercrafts face limitations in power output, and existing hybrid systems struggle to efficiently combine human kinetic power with battery-powered electric propulsion due to mechanical inefficiencies when coupling forces on different axes, resulting in reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control module that connects a pedal-powered generator to a motor controller, allowing user-selectable modes to combine, transfer, or charge power, determining rotation direction and activating the motor accordingly, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing mechanical inefficiencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If screw propellers are positioned at 90 degrees with respect to the pedal shaft axis, then ease of integration and propeller efficiency are improved, but mechanical efficiency is reduced by 17-35%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical coupling system with an electrical coupling system. The pedal shaft drives a generator that produces electricity, which is then used to power an electric motor connected to the propeller. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical transmissions and 90-degree angle couplings, thereby preserving mechanical efficiency while maintaining ease of integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electricity as an intermediary between the pedal shaft and the propeller. Instead of direct mechanical coupling, the system uses a generator to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, which then drives the propeller through an electric motor. This intermediary approach decouples the mechanical systems, allowing optimal positioning of each component without efficiency losses.
2Productivity
If high speed rotation is used to drive screw propellers, then propeller efficiency is improved, but the complexity of coupling with low-speed pedal shaft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical speed multiplication systems with an electrical system. The generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy at the pedal shaft's low speed, and the electric motor converts electrical energy back to mechanical energy at the propeller's high speed. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical overdrive systems while achieving the required speed multiplication.
3Device complexity
If pedal-powered watercraft use only human kinetic power, then simplicity is maintained, but power output capability is limited to less than 200 watts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system multi-functional by incorporating both human-powered generation and battery-powered electric propulsion. The system can operate in multiple modes: purely pedal-powered, purely battery-powered, or in hybrid mode where both power sources work together. This universality allows the system to maintain simplicity when human power suffices while achieving high power output when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges human kinetic power and battery electric power into a unified propulsion system. The control system intelligently combines the electrical output from the pedal generator with battery power to drive the propeller motor, achieving power output capabilities far exceeding what human power alone could provide while maintaining reasonable system simplicity.
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 power output by up to 200% by combining human and electric power efficiently, reduces mechanical inefficiencies, and allows for adaptable propulsion modes, including forward and reverse motion, improving overall performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
pedal shaft (22) operatively connected to a generator (28)
Implementation Method 2
motor controller (48) operatively connected to a motor (32) having an output shaft operatively connected to a propeller assembly (30)
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control module (46) for coupling a pedal mechanically powered electric generator (28) and a battery (44) to a motor controller (48) of a watercraft propulsion motor (32), comprising: an electrical input operatively connected to the generator (28); a processor with a memory having an output operatively connected to the motor controller (46), said processor being operationally selectable by a user to one of multiple modes so that the processor being is configured to: in a first mode, combine power from the generator (28) with power from the battery (44) to power the motor (32); in a second mode, combine power from the generator (28) with partial power from the battery (44) to power the motor (32); and in a third mode, transfer power from the generator (28) to charge the battery (44).