Pedal-Thrust Interface for Hands-Free E-Bike Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-machine interface systems for pedal-assisted bicycles require user attention and hand release from the handlebars for operation, which is unsafe and not adaptable to 'all-in-the-wheel' designs without exposed wiring or external batteries, and smartphone-based solutions are limiting due to availability and distraction concerns.
Innovation Solution
A pedal-assisted bicycle interface system using sensors to detect wheel and pedal-thrust speed and direction, generating logic sequences for the control unit to receive user inputs without the need for external devices, allowing hands-free operation and integration within the wheel housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pushbuttons, switches, or knobs are provided in the bicycle for user interaction, then the user can control the bicycle system, but the user must distract attention from the drive and release hands from handlebars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical interface devices (pushbuttons, switches, knobs) with a sensor-based detection system that monitors pedal thrust characteristics. The control unit identifies user commands through patterns in pedal force, speed, and cadence data, eliminating the need for separate mechanical controls and allowing hands-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the pedal-thrust group to serve dual functions: both propelling the bicycle forward and transmitting control commands to the system. By analyzing variations in pedal thrust characteristics, the same mechanical input used for propulsion also communicates user intentions to the control unit, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a smartphone is used for interface interaction, then the user can control the bicycle system, but the solution is limitative since not all persons have such device and it can cause distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the bicycle system self-sufficient by using its own existing sensors and processing units to detect and interpret user commands. The system leverages data already being collected for propulsion control (pedal thrust, cadence, speed) to also identify control intentions, eliminating dependency on external smartphones or specialized input devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the propulsion control and system control functions into a unified interface. The same sensor network and control unit that manage motor assistance also detect control commands by analyzing pedal thrust patterns, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system that requires no external devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If the interface system uses external batteries and exposed wirings, then the interface components can be powered and connected, but it is not adaptable to 'all-in-the-wheel' type bicycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the interface system's power supply and control electronics into the existing wheel hub motor assembly. The same battery and control unit that power the electric motor also supply the sensor interface and processing functions, eliminating the need for separate external batteries and wiring harnesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the wheel hub motor assembly to serve multiple functions: propulsion motor, power supply battery, control electronics housing, and interface system platform. This multi-functional integration allows the same component to support both traditional bicycles and 'all-in-the-wheel' designs without modification.
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 safe and user-friendly operation by allowing command inputs through pedal actions alone, eliminating the need for external controls and smartphones, ensuring continuous focus on cycling and compatibility with 'all-in-the-wheel' designs.
Implementation Method 1
one sensor (2) configured for detecting a speed (ωw) of the wheel (102)
Implementation Method 2
a sensor (3) configured for detecting a speed (ωρ) and a direction (ωf/b) of the pedal-thrust group (103)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention refers to a human-machine interface system (1) for a pedal-assisted bicycle (100) comprising an electric motor (101) associated to one of the bicycle wheels (102), a pedal-thrust group (103) to be pedaled by an user, a transmission (104) operatively interposed between said pedal-thrust group (103) and one of the bicycle wheels (102), comprising a free-wheel mechanism (105), an unit for controlling the electric motor (101) and/or further operative parameters of the pedal-assisted bicycle, wherein said interface system (1) comprises: - a sensor configured for detecting the speed (ωρ) and direction (ωf/b) of the pedal-thrust, or the pedal-thrust torque and direction of the pedal-thrust torque applied to the pedal-thrust group (103), and for generating a signal representative of the pedal-thrust speed or of the pedal-thrust torque, and a signal representative of the pedal-thrust direction or of the direction of the pedal-thrust torque; - a message generating module (4) configured for generating sequences of logic letters (1, 2, 3...) based on said signals representative of the thrust-pedal speed (ωρ) or of the thrust-pedal torque, and of the pedal-thrust direction (ωf/b) or of the direction of the pedal-thrust torque applied to the pedal-thrust group; - an analyzing module (5) configured for generating command signals (COMM) for said control unit based on said logic letter sequences. Moreover, the present invention refers to a pedal-assisted bicycle (100) provided with said human-machine interface system (1).