Electronic Controller for Human-Powered Vehicle Radar Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Human-powered vehicles face high power consumption in detection devices, which is inefficient and requires innovative solutions to reduce energy usage.

Innovation Solution

An electronic controller that switches between multiple power-saving modes based on information related to the vehicle, such as vibration, weight, and operational states, to intermittently operate or stop power supply to the detection device, specifically designed for frequencies above 30 GHz and excluding visible light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the detection device operates continuously in the first mode, then detection accuracy and reliability are maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device dynamically switches between first mode (continuous operation) and second mode (intermittent operation) based on vehicle state. When the vehicle is stationary or in low-activity states, the system transitions to the second mode with reduced power consumption while maintaining sufficient detection capability through periodic activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

In the second mode, the detection device operates intermittently rather than continuously, performing detection at periodic intervals. This periodic operation significantly reduces average power consumption while still providing necessary detection functionality during stationary or low-activity periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Use of energy by moving object

If the detection device operates in the second mode intermittently, then power consumption is reduced, but detection coverage may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddetection coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device monitors vehicle state information (movement status, operational mode) and uses this feedback to determine appropriate detection modes. When movement is detected or the vehicle enters active operation, the system automatically transitions from the power-saving second mode back to the comprehensive first mode, ensuring detection coverage is maintained when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts detection operation based on real-time vehicle conditions. The transition between intermittent operation (second mode) and continuous operation (first mode) is driven by vehicle state changes, ensuring that detection coverage is adequate during active periods while conserving energy during stationary periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Use of energy by moving object

If multiple control modes are implemented, then power consumption is optimized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device serves multiple functions: it monitors vehicle state, determines appropriate detection modes, controls the detection device operation, and manages power distribution. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit, the system achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Significantly reduces power consumption of the detection device by dynamically adjusting operational modes in response to vehicle conditions, enhancing energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

detection device provided at a human-powered vehicle to detect an electromagnetic wave having a frequency that is greater than or equal to 30 GHz and excluding visible light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave detection: Radar

Data Source

PatentUS10913507B2Controller, human-powered vehicle system, and control method
Publication Date: 2021.02.09 SHIMANO INC
  • US10913507B2 patent drawing
  • US10913507B2 patent drawing
  • US10913507B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A human-powered vehicle system and a control method are provided that reduce power consumption of a detection device. The human-powered vehicle system includes an electronic controller having at least one processor configured to control a detection device provided at a human-powered vehicle to detect an electromagnetic wave having a frequency that is greater than or equal to 30 GHz and excluding visible light. The at least one processor is configured to control the detection device in at least one of a first mode and a second mode that consumes less power than the first mode.