Decentralized Pedelec Peloton Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedelec peloton systems face challenges in synchronizing the speed of multiple pedelecs due to reliance on a hierarchical master/slave structure, which becomes unreliable when data connections are disrupted, especially at varying distances.
Innovation Solution
A pedelec peloton controller that allows each pedelec to independently determine and coordinate its desired speed with other pedelecs via wireless communication, using a receiver and transmitter module, and a desired speed determination module that considers external speeds and local sensor data to adjust traction motor support levels, eliminating the need for a master pedelec and enhancing redundancy and fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a master/slave peloton control system is used, then a single target speed can be determined by a master pedelec, but the system becomes vulnerable to data connection interruptions and loses redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized master/slave control into multiple independent control units, where each pedelec operates as an autonomous node capable of independently determining desired speed. This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure in master/slave systems and distributes the control function across all peloton members, thereby improving reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having a master pedelec dictate speed to slaves, the patent inverts the control paradigm by enabling each pedelec to independently calculate its own desired speed based on local sensor data and received speeds from other peloton members. This inversion transforms the system from hierarchical to decentralized, eliminating the vulnerability to master pedelec failure.
2Reliability
If each pedelec independently determines desired speed, then redundancy and fault tolerance are improved, but coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pedelec continuously receives desired speed data from other peloton members via wireless communication and uses this feedback to adjust its own speed determination. The control unit compares received speeds with locally calculated speeds and coordinates accordingly, creating a self-regulating system that maintains synchronization without centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each pedelec universally capable of both determining its own desired speed and receiving/processing speed data from other peloton members. This multi-functionality allows any pedelec to potentially become a de facto coordinator, distributing the coordination burden and preventing any single unit from becoming a bottleneck or single point of failure.
3Device complexity
If hierarchical master/slave control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the system fails when data connections are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control structure where each pedelec can independently determine desired speed and adapt to changing communication conditions. When data connections are interrupted, each pedelec continues to function using its own sensor data and last known speeds from other members, making the system dynamically adaptable to connection failures rather than statically dependent on continuous master control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pedelec maintains the capability to independently determine desired speed as a preparatory measure against potential communication failures. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if data connections are interrupted, no single pedelec loses the ability to determine speed, as each unit is pre-equipped with autonomous speed determination capability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pedelec peloton control (40) for determining a desired speed in a pedelec peloton for a pedelec with a supporting traction motor (20), with a receiver module (50) and a transmitter module (52) for wirelessly receiving desired speeds of other pedelecs in the pedelec peloton.The system comprises a user-defined speed module (42) for determining a user-defined speed from externally received desired speeds of other Peloton e-bikes, a user-defined speed memory (46) connected to the user-defined speed module (42), which receives the determined user-defined speed from the latter and is connected to the transmitting module (52), which sends the determined user-defined speed from the user-defined speed memory (46), and a motor control unit (44) for controlling a power electronics unit (22) that electrically supplies the traction motor (20), wherein the motor control unit (44) adjusts the level of assistance depending on the user-defined speed.