Motor-Assisted Stroller Force Sensor Calibration for Drift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stroller systems with motor assistance face issues due to disturbances from temperature, creep, and humidity affecting force sensor measurements, leading to distorted output and potential safety risks, particularly when large deviations occur.
Innovation Solution
A stroller or stroller frame with a force sensor device and a control unit that initiates calibration based on detected force-related variables, compensating for large deviations by adjusting the sensor readings, thereby improving user-friendliness and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If force sensor device is used to detect force-related variables for motor assistance control, then motor assistance can be provided based on user input, but disturbance variables (temperature, creep, humidity) cause measurement deviations and distorted output
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs a calibration routine before normal operation to establish accurate baseline measurements. The system detects calibration indicators (such as when the stroller is stationary and no force is applied) and automatically calibrates the force sensor device, storing calibration values for subsequent measurements. This preliminary calibration action eliminates measurement errors caused by temperature, creep, and humidity disturbances.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors force-related variables and compares them against calibrated baseline values. When measurement deviations are detected, the system uses feedback from the calibration indicator detection to trigger recalibration, ensuring ongoing measurement accuracy. The feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions and maintain precise force measurement.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed immediately upon activation of motor assistance, then measurement accuracy is improved, but user convenience deteriorates due to interruption of use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration in advance during periods when the stroller is not in use or when calibration indicators are detected (such as when stationary). By calibrating beforehand and storing the calibration values, the system ensures measurement accuracy is established before actual motor assistance operation begins, eliminating the need for interruptions during user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically detects calibration indicators and initiates calibration routines without user intervention. The system monitors its own operational state and environmental conditions to determine when calibration is needed, performing self-calibration during idle periods or when the stroller is stationary, thereby maintaining accuracy without requiring user action or causing interruptions.
3Ease of operation
If calibration is delayed until later, then user convenience is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to accumulating deviations from disturbance variables
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors for calibration indicators and environmental conditions that suggest measurement drift. When specific conditions are detected (such as temperature changes, extended idle periods, or stationary states), the feedback mechanism triggers an automatic calibration routine, balancing continuous usability with maintained measurement accuracy through adaptive recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration at periodic intervals based on detected conditions rather than continuously or only at startup. The control unit monitors operational parameters and triggers calibration periodically when calibration indicators are present, ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained without requiring constant calibration interruptions. This periodic approach adapts to actual usage patterns and environmental changes.
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 allows for immediate and safe use of the stroller without waiting for calibration, reducing user inconvenience and potential safety hazards by ensuring accurate motor assistance through adaptive calibration.
Implementation Method 1
Force sensor devices are known in principle. Such force sensor devices, in particular strain gauges, can be based, for example, on the change in resistance due to changes in length and/or cross-section.
Implementation Method 2
Typical disturbance variables include temperature, creep and humidity. When such force-sensing devices are used in strollers, these disturbance variables can lead to distorted output
Implementation Method 3
Typical disturbance variables include temperature, creep and humidity.
Data Source
AI summary
Stroller or stroller frame, comprising at least one motor, in particular an electric motor, for in particular assisted driving of the stroller or stroller frame, at least one pusher for pushing the stroller or stroller frame, at least one force sensor device for detecting a force-related variable, in particular a force or a force component which acts on the pusher, or a variable derived from this force or force component, for example a torque or a change over time of the force or force component, and at least one control unit which is configured to initiate a calibration of the force sensor device depending on a result of at least one detection of the force-related variable, in particular depending on the result of a plurality, of preferably at least 3, in particular successive, detections of the force-related variable.