Electronic Controller for Human-Powered Vehicle with Five Control States
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-powered vehicle control devices lack sufficient usability due to limited control states and customizable output characteristics, which restrict the ability to provide an assist force tailored to user preferences and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A human-powered vehicle control device with an electronic controller that switches at least five control states with different output characteristics and drive ratios, allowing customization through external memory devices for optimal user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of control states is increased from three to at least five, then the adaptability and usability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device segments the assist force output into at least five distinct control states with different drive ratios (e.g., 100%, 150%, 200%, 250%, 300%). This segmentation allows the system to provide finely graduated assist force levels, improving adaptability to different user needs and riding conditions while maintaining manageable system complexity through discrete, predefined states.
2Ease of operation
If the drive ratio is made customizable through external devices, then the ease of operation and user preference matching are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates dynamic configurability by allowing users to customize drive ratios for each control state through external devices such as smartphones or tablets. The electronic controller stores these user-defined parameters and dynamically adjusts the motor output according to user preferences, making the system adaptable to individual needs while keeping the hardware architecture relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
An external device serves as an intermediary between the user and the control system. The external device communicates with the electronic controller to transmit user preferences and customize drive ratios, eliminating the need for complex physical controls on the vehicle itself and simplifying the onboard hardware while still providing comprehensive customization capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the maximum output of the motor is adjusted across control states, then the adaptability to different user conditions is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the motor output parameter across at least five control states, with each state providing a different drive ratio (e.g., 100%, 150%, 200%, 250%, 300% of human driving force). This allows users to select appropriate assist levels based on their energy availability and riding conditions, optimizing the balance between adaptability and energy consumption by enabling users to choose lower assist levels when energy conservation is desired.
Data Source
AI summary
A human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller configured to control a motor that assists in propulsion of a human-powered vehicle in accordance with a human driving force input to the human-powered vehicle. The electronic controller is configured to switch at least five control states imparting different output characteristics to the motor with respect to the human driving force.