Wheel Hub Signal Encoding for Wiring Complexity Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel hubs for electric bicycles require significant space for electrical cables to transmit multiple signals, such as temperature and torque data, which increases the complexity and bulk of the design.
Innovation Solution
The wheel hub employs a single magnetic field sensor and magnet arrangement that alternates signal strength to encode multiple variables (temperature or torque) into a single signal, allowing for simultaneous transmission of movement and measured variable data using a single electrical line, reducing the space needed for electrical lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple separate electrical wires are provided to transmit movement data and measured quantity data (temperature or torque) separately, then the transmission of information is complete and reliable, but the space required for electrical wiring increases and the design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data transmission functions into a single electrical wire by using a magnetic field sensor to detect both the position of a magnet (movement data) and to have its output signal modified by a measured quantity (temperature or torque). The magnetic field sensor's output signal is modulated to encode both types of information simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate wires for each data type.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the position of the magnet to determine movement data, and its output signal is simultaneously modulated by the measured quantity (temperature or torque sensor). This single sensor and single wire system performs what would traditionally require multiple sensors and multiple wires, reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single electrical conductor is used to transmit both movement data and measured quantity data, then the space required for electrical wiring is reduced, but the signal transmission and data encoding become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the parameters of the magnetic field sensor's output signal to encode multiple types of information. The signal strength or frequency of the magnetic field sensor output is changed based on the measured quantity (temperature or torque), while the base signal continues to encode movement data. This parameter modulation allows a single wire to carry multiple data streams without requiring complex external encoding circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field sensor acts as an intermediary that receives input from both the magnet position and the measured quantity sensor, and produces a single modulated output signal. This intermediary component combines multiple information sources into one signal that can be transmitted through a single wire, simplifying the wiring while maintaining information integrity.
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 minimizes the space required for electrical lines, simplifies the design, and enables efficient control of the electric motor by accurately transmitting multiple types of data with reduced cable complexity, while also preventing overheating by adjusting power consumption based on temperature readings.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic field sensor is configured to detect a magnetic field emanating from the pole ring
Implementation Method 2
the first magnetic field sensor is configured to detect a first magnetic field emanating from the first magnet and to output a first magnetic field sensor signal which has a time-dependent signal strength that alternates between a minimum signal strength and a maximum signal strength
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a wheel hub (20) for a drive wheel of a vehicle, comprising a wheel axle (14), a first magnetic field sensor (15) which is fixed against rotation relative to the wheel axle, a first magnet (16) which is arranged at a distance from the first magnetic field sensor and is rotatably mounted relative to the wheel axle, wherein the first magnetic field sensor is configured to detect a first magnetic field emanating from the first magnet and to output a first magnetic field sensor signal (1) which has a time-dependent signal strength (S) that alternates between a minimum signal strength (Smin) and a maximum signal strength (Smax) due to a displacement of the first magnetic field, a first sensor determining a first measured quantity, which is a temperature sensor (19) configured to measure a temperature (T) in the wheel hub as the first measured quantity, or a torque sensor (27) configured toas the first measured quantity a torque (M) in the wheel hub, and a first signal processing unit (32) which is configured to change the minimum signal strength and/or the maximum signal strength of the first magnetic field sensor signal depending on the first measured quantity and thus to generate a first wheel hub signal (2) from the first magnetic field sensor signal.