Human-Powered Vehicle Control Device Motor Assistance Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-powered vehicle control devices consume excessive electric power when assisting propulsion, particularly when the battery charge is low, leading to inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A human-powered vehicle control device equipped with an electronic controller and memory that adjusts motor operation based on detected human driving force, allowing for multiple control modes and adjustable thresholds to reduce electric power consumption, including setting values greater than typical to minimize power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the motor is controlled to provide assistance in typical operating conditions, then propulsion support is improved, but electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the threshold parameter for motor activation from a typical value to a higher-than-typical value. The electronic controller is configured to drive the motor only when human driving force exceeds this elevated threshold, thereby reducing the frequency and duration of motor operation and consequently reducing electric power consumption while still providing assistance when the rider exerts significant effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multiple control modes with different threshold values that can be dynamically selected based on operating conditions or rider preference. The electronic controller switches between control modes, each with different threshold settings, allowing the system to adapt its power consumption characteristics to match the situation, thereby optimizing the balance between propulsion support and energy usage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the first value threshold is increased above typical values, then electric power consumption is reduced, but motor assistance availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides multiple control modes with different threshold values (first control mode with first value, second control mode with second value). The rider can select between these modes using an operating portion, allowing dynamic adjustment of motor assistance availability. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to switch between high-threshold/low-power mode and lower-threshold/higher-availability mode depending on needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the threshold value changeable through multiple means: different control modes, operating portion selection, and external device configuration. This multi-functionality allows the same motor control system to serve different purposes - conserving energy during low-power modes and providing maximum assistance during high-power modes - thereby resolving the contradiction between power consumption and assistance availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A human-powered vehicle control device is configured to reduce electric power needed to drive a motor. The human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller and a memory. The electronic controller is configured to control a motor that assists in propulsion of a human-powered vehicle in accordance with human driving force and a memory. The electronic controller drives the motor in a case where the human driving force is greater than or equal to a first value. The memory electronic changeably store the first value.