Electric Bicycle Torque Sensor Fault Detection via Pedaling Period Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The safety of power-assisted electric bicycles is compromised when the power-providing element malfunctions or provides inappropriate power, leading to potential loss of balance and safety issues for users.
Innovation Solution
A power-assisted electric bicycle system comprising a motor, a torque sensor, and a controller that receives torque signals from the sensor, determines peak and valley points in the pedal force data, computes pedaling and operating periods, and generates an error signal if these periods do not meet a default ratio, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of power output to prevent accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If auxiliary power is added to reduce physical strength consumption, then riding ease is improved, but safety becomes compromised when the power element malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the torque sensor signals and compares the pedaling period against the operating period to detect malfunctions. When a discrepancy is detected, the controller generates an error signal to alert the user, creating a feedback loop that enhances safety while maintaining the ease of operation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of potential malfunctions by monitoring the relationship between pedaling and operating periods before actual safety issues occur. This proactive approach allows the system to identify and alert users about potential problems before they become dangerous
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of torque signals is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it processes torque sensor signals, determines peak and valley points, calculates pedaling period, compares with operating period, and generates error signals. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate monitoring devices while still achieving comprehensive safety monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing components (controller, torque sensor) to perform self-monitoring and self-diagnosis. The controller analyzes torque signals and detects malfunctions using the same hardware it already controls, eliminating the need for additional dedicated monitoring equipment
Data Source
AI summary
A power assisted electric bicycle includes a body, a motor, a torque sensor, and a controller. The motor is operated in an operating period. The torque sensor is configured to output a plurality of torque signals corresponding to a pedal force. The controller is coupled to the motor and the torque sensor. The controller is configured to: receive the torque signals from the torque sensor; determine a peak and a valley, which is adjacent to the peak, among the torque signals; compute and determine a pedaling period between the peak and the valley, which is adjacent to the peak, among the torque signals; and generate an error signal associated with the torque sensor if it is determined that the pedaling period and the operating period fail to meet a default ratio.