Methods and apparatus for flexure-based torque sensor in a bicycle
US8801569B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB62M6/50
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In exemplary implementations, a bicycle has “power pedaling”, in which a rider's pedaling efforts are augmented by an electric motor. The rider can control the motor simply by pedaling. It is desirable that the motor torque not exceed the rider torque; otherwise the motor overpowers the rider. A radial flexure is part of the drivetrain that transmits torque from the rider to the back wheel. One part of the flexure is connected to the back wheel casing; another part of the flexure is connected to the freewheel. If motor velocity exceeds rider velocity, this causes the flexure to elastically deform. Two sensors measure the deformation, which is equal to the difference between the angular displacements of the casing and freewheel, respectively. A PD controller seeks to make this difference equal to zero, by controlling voltage levels in the motor (and thus controlling the torque contributed by the motor).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.