Electric Motorcycle Simulated Clutch for Power Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles lack a clutch mechanism that provides the dynamic control and power management capabilities essential for managing traction, engine braking, gear shifting, and safety maneuvers, such as in motocross riding, which are crucial for skilled riders.
Innovation Solution
A simulated clutch mechanism is integrated into electric motorcycles, allowing riders to control power delivery and acceleration through a clutch input mechanism that interacts with the electronic control unit to mimic the functions of an internal combustion engine clutch, including power modulation and sound effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional mechanical clutch is added to an electric vehicle, then power delivery control and traction management are improved, but device complexity and structural burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical clutch system with an electronic control mechanism that uses software algorithms and electronic sensors to achieve clutch-like functions. The ECU processes sensor data and modulates motor output electronically, eliminating the need for mechanical clutch components while maintaining power delivery control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing motor controller and ECU in the electric vehicle are enhanced to perform multiple functions including clutch engagement, power modulation, and traction management. This multi-functional approach allows the vehicle's existing electronic systems to handle tasks that would traditionally require separate mechanical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a simulated clutch mechanism is implemented, then rider control and power modulation are improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulated clutch system dynamically adjusts power delivery based on real-time sensor inputs and rider actions. The ECU continuously processes lever position data and motor response information, dynamically modulating power output to create authentic clutch-like behavior that adapts to varying riding conditions and rider intentions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where sensors monitor lever position, motor response, and vehicle dynamics, and the ECU uses this information to continuously adjust power delivery. This feedback mechanism enables the simulated clutch to respond realistically to rider inputs while maintaining optimal power modulation.
3Ease of operation
If clutch functions are integrated into existing controls, then ease of operation is improved, but precision and authenticity of clutch behavior may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch operation is segmented into distinct phases (disengagement, neutral, engagement) with specific sensor thresholds and control algorithms for each phase. This segmentation allows precise control over power delivery at different clutch states while maintaining intuitive operation through the lever mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes multiple parameters including power delivery percentage, motor torque, and response timing based on lever position and riding conditions. These parameter adjustments enable authentic clutch behavior simulation while maintaining ease of operation through natural lever manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for providing a simulated clutch function for an electric vehicle. One system includes a clutch input mechanism, one or more sensors providing signals representing a position of the clutch input mechanism, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine, based on the signals from the one or more sensors, whether the clutch input mechanism has been released from an engaged state, and, in response to determining that the clutch input mechanism has been released from the engaged state, the controller is configured to (i) determine a clutch multiplier, (ii) determine a clutch delivery time, and (iii) adjust a power curve mapping the position of a throttle mechanism to a power output based on the clutch multiplier and control power to a motor based on a position of a throttle input mechanism and the adjusted power curve for the clutch delivery time.