Bicycle Trailer Braking Control via Inertial Force Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle trailers with their own drive and braking systems are not universally compatible with conventional bicycles, as they require sensor data from the bicycle, limiting their use to bicycles equipped with specific sensors, and affect the handling behavior during braking.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle trailer with a sensor device that measures acceleration force via a tow bar and a controller that compensates for inertial forces using a feedback control loop, combined with a decoupling device for partial mechanical decoupling, allowing the trailer to be used with standard bicycles without additional sensors on the bicycle, and an electric drive to assist in traction mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the trailer is equipped with a braking device and drive system to improve braking performance and reduce impact on bicycle handling, then the trailer's braking capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor detects the braking state of the bicycle, and this information is fed back to a control unit that automatically activates the trailer's braking device. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the trailer brake applies force in coordination with the bicycle brake, improving overall braking performance while automating the control process to manage complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the bicycle's braking system and the trailer's braking device. This intermediary component receives braking signals from the bicycle, processes them, and translates them into appropriate activation signals for the trailer brake, thereby coordinating the braking actions of both bicycle and trailer without requiring direct mechanical coupling.
2Reliability
If the trailer uses sensor data from the bicycle to control braking, then the handling behavior during braking is improved, but the adaptability to conventional bicycles without sensors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the trailer's sensor system to perform multiple functions: it can detect braking signals from equipped bicycles through various sensor types (acceleration sensors, force sensors, or direct signal inputs), and it can also operate with basic mechanical braking components for conventional bicycles without electronic sensors. This multi-functional sensor architecture enables the trailer to adapt to different bicycle types while maintaining reliable braking coordination.
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 ensures that the trailer does not significantly impact the bicycle's handling during braking, shortens braking distance, and allows flexible use with conventional bicycles, improving road safety and handling dynamics by compensating for inertial forces and reducing the perceived mass of the trailer.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device (12) which supplies a measured variable that is a measure of the acceleration force acting on the trailer (2) via a tow bar (5)
Implementation Method 2
a braking device (8) acting on one wheel (4) or the wheels of the trailer (2)... act on the braking device (8), depending on the measured variable determined by the sensor device (12), in such a manner that an inertial force of the trailer (2) generated during braking of the bicycle (1) is compensated for or is at least reduced
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a trailer (2) for a bicycle (1), having a braking device acting on wheel(s) (4) of the trailer (2); a sensor device (12) which supplies a measured variable, which is a measure of an acceleration force acting on the trailer (2) via a tow bar (5); a controller (18) for controlling the braking device and that is configured to act on the braking device, depending on the measured variable determined by the sensor device (12), such that an inertial force of the trailer (2) generated in the pulling mode or during braking of the bicycle (1) is compensated for or is at least reduced; and a decoupling device (10; 410; 510) which is configured for the partial mechanical decoupling of a movement of the bicycle trailer (2) with respect to the bicycle (1) in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle trailer (L).