Scooter Control Device Using Periodic Motor Pulses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scooters lack an operating mode that simulates muscle-powered operation with precise electric motor assistance, failing to provide a seamless transition between muscle and electric power, which can lead to unintentional acceleration or excessive energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A scooter design with an actuating device that generates propulsion impulses only within a specified speed range, allowing operation in both muscle and electric modes, with the electric motor providing assistance that mimics muscle power, preventing unwanted acceleration and energy overuse by controlling propulsion pulses based on speed and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the electric motor provides continuous propulsion assistance, then the scooter achieves higher speed and better performance, but it causes unintentional acceleration and excessive energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor operates in periodic pulses rather than continuously. The control device activates the motor for brief propulsion impulses and then switches it off, allowing the scooter to coast. This periodic operation pattern reduces energy consumption while maintaining the ability to achieve higher speeds when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts between muscle-powered and motor-powered operation. The control device monitors user input and speed conditions to determine when to activate the motor, creating a dynamic operating mode that adapts to real-time conditions rather than maintaining constant motor assistance.
2Power
If the electric motor provides continuous propulsion assistance, then the scooter achieves better performance, but it leads to unintentional acceleration and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The motor delivers power in controlled periodic impulses rather than continuous operation. Each propulsion impulse is time-limited and followed by a coasting phase, which prevents unintentional continuous acceleration and gives the user better control over the scooter's movement, thereby improving operational safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors various parameters including speed, user input via the actuating device, and operational mode to determine when motor assistance should be activated. This feedback mechanism ensures the motor only operates under appropriate conditions, preventing unsafe unintentional acceleration.
3Ease of operation
If the scooter operates in electric motor mode, then it achieves higher efficiency and less effort for the user, but it fails to simulate realistic muscle-powered operation
Solution Approach 1:
The motor operates in periodic pulses that simulate the intermittent nature of muscle-powered scooting, where the user pushes and then coasts. This creates a realistic riding experience that mimics muscle operation patterns while still providing electric assistance during the propulsion phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the scooter to coast using its own momentum between motor impulses, similar to how a muscle-powered scooter coasts after a push. This self-service approach during coasting phases maintains the realistic feel of muscle operation while reducing overall user effort.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the scooter allows free operation without speed-based control, then it provides maximum flexibility to the user, but it results in energy overuse and battery depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the scooter's speed and uses this feedback to determine when motor assistance should be activated. The motor is only engaged when speed conditions are appropriate, preventing unnecessary energy consumption while still allowing flexible user operation within defined parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on speed conditions. When the scooter exceeds certain speed thresholds or operates in specific speed ranges, the control device adjusts motor activation accordingly, optimizing energy usage while maintaining operational flexibility within safe and efficient boundaries.
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
The solution enables a realistic simulation of muscle-powered operation with electric assistance, preventing unintentional acceleration and energy overuse, while ensuring safe and efficient use by limiting propulsion impulses below minimum or above maximum speeds, thus enhancing user control and battery protection.
Implementation Method 1
the scooter can be driven in at least one operating mode with motor power. The scooter comprises at least one actuating device and at least one electric motor with which the scooter can be driven
Implementation Method 2
the scooter moves forward briefly at the second speed due to its mass inertia and is slowly decelerated due to the frictional forces
Implementation Method 3
the scooter moves forward briefly at the second speed due to its mass inertia and is slowly decelerated due to the frictional forces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (21) for a scooter (10) and to a scooter (10) for transporting individuals, said scooter (10) being operable using physical strength in a first mode of operation while being operable using physical strength and/or electric power in a second mode of operation; the scooter (10) comprises: an actuation unit (20) of a control device (21), and an electric motor (22) which allows the scooter to be powered; a propulsive force is created on the scooter (10) by actuating the actuation unit (20).