Muscle-Powered Vehicle Control System for Braking Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices that combine muscle power with electrical assistance for movement lack advanced control mechanisms for optimizing the generation and distribution of electrical forces, particularly in managing braking forces and energy storage.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a control system that automatically distributes electrical energy generated by the electrical machine between a battery and load means, based on the size of the additional force and battery state of charge, allowing for optimized braking forces and energy storage, with features like switching means and ventilation cooling for heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the electrical machine generates braking force using the battery as a load, then energy is stored in the battery, but when the battery is fully charged, braking capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A switching device is introduced as an intermediary between the electrical machine and the battery/load. This switching device automatically connects the electrical machine to the load when the battery is fully charged, ensuring continuous braking capability. The switching device mediates the energy flow path, preventing the loss of braking capability while maintaining energy storage functionality.
2Reliability
If the electrical machine continuously generates braking force, then driving resistance is maintained, but user comfort decreases due to uncomfortable counter-holding forces
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is integrated into the system to detect the user's pulling or pushing force on the hand grip. This feedback signal is transmitted to the control device, which adjusts the braking force generated by the electrical machine accordingly. When the user applies force, the system reduces or eliminates braking force, providing comfortable operation. When the user releases force, the system maintains appropriate driving resistance, ensuring reliable and comfortable operation simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If the electrical machine is controlled in stages using series resistors, then braking force can be adjusted, but energy loss increases due to resistor dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical resistor-based control system with an electronic switching device. Instead of using series resistors to control braking force, the switching device electronically connects or disconnects the load from the electrical machine. This substitution eliminates energy dissipation in resistors while maintaining the ability to control braking force, as the switching device can precisely regulate the electrical connection between the machine and load.
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
This solution enables efficient generation and management of braking forces, reducing user effort and maintaining consistent driving resistance across varying terrain, with the battery acting as both an energy source and load, enhancing the overall performance of muscle-powered movement devices.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical machine (5) can be used as a generator in which case current (I) is generated in the electrical machine (5)
Implementation Method 2
the load means (7) for the conversion of electrical energy generated by the electrical machine (5) as a generator into another form of energy
Implementation Method 3
devices for dissipating heat from the load means (7), in particular in the form of ventilation cooling
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device, in particular a vehicle, intended to be moved by muscle force, comprising an electric machine (5), which influences the movement of the device in addition to the muscle force (FB) and which produces an additional force (FM), at least one sensor (3) for measuring the muscle force (FB) acting on the device, and apparatuses (6-11) for controlling the production of the additional force (FM) by the electric machine (5) on the basis of the measurement signal (FB') of the sensor (3). According to the invention, the apparatuses (6-11) for controlling the production of the driving and/or braking force (FM) comprise load means (7) for converting electrical energy produced by the electric machine (5) operating as a generator into another form of energy, in particular heat.