Human-Powered Vehicle Control Device Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Human-powered vehicle control devices do not adapt the relationship between drive force and crank rotational speed to varying conditions such as rider state and vehicle running state, leading to suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
An electronic controller adjusts the ratios between drive wheel rotational speed and crank rotational speed, as well as the assistive drive force, based on detected changes in rider state and vehicle running conditions, switching between control states to optimize the relationship for the rider.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the control device uses a fixed relationship between drive force and crank rotational speed, then the control system is simple, but the system cannot adapt to varying rider states and running conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control device dynamically adjusts the first ratio (drive wheel rotational speed to crank rotational speed) and second ratio (assistive drive force to human drive force) based on real-time detection of rider state and vehicle running state. The electronic controller continuously modifies these ratios according to detected changes, transforming a static control system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key operational parameters (first ratio and second ratio) based on detected rider state (pedaling force, rotational speed) and running state (vehicle speed, acceleration). By adjusting these parameters in response to detected conditions, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complete system redesign.
2Productivity
If the control device adjusts ratios based on rider state and running state, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the detection and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller detects rider state (pedaling force, rotational speed) and vehicle running state (speed, acceleration), then uses this feedback information to adjust the first ratio and second ratio. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically optimize performance based on real-time conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device integrates multiple detection functions (rider state detection, running state detection) and control functions (ratio adjustment, assistive force control) into a single electronic controller. This multi-functional approach improves operational efficiency while consolidating complexity into one coordinated system rather than multiple separate systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control device switches between multiple control states, then the suitability for different conditions is improved, but the control logic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct control states (first control state and second control state), each optimized for specific riding conditions. The electronic controller switches between these segmented states based on detected rider state and running state, allowing each state to be independently optimized while maintaining overall system adaptability through manageable state transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
A human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller configured to control an electric component of a human-powered vehicle including a crank and a drive wheel. The electronic controller is configured to control the electric component so as to change at least one of a first ratio of a rotational speed of the drive wheel to a rotational speed of the crank and a second ratio of a drive force assisting propulsion of the human-powered vehicle to the human drive force upon determining a human drive force input to the crank shifts from a first range to outside the first range. The electronic controller is configured to change the first range in accordance with at least one of a state of a rider and a running state of the human-powered vehicle.