US 5,992,553 A · Pedal power sensor and human powered vehicle drive augmentation responsive to cyclic pedal power input

Abstract

A human-powered vehicle power augmentation system produces a signal variable in response to applied force. The signal, transmitted to a control system, produces a motor-control signal which adds boost power to the human input in proportion to the amount by which the human input exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Below the threshold value, vehicle drive power is derived solely from the human input. Above the threshold value, boost power is added to the human input in proportion to the amount by which the applied force exceeds the threshold value. In one embodiment of the invention, a boost threshold control establishes the amount of human input above which boost is applied, while a boost max control establishes a slope of boost augmentation above the boost threshold. When the amount of boost applied approaches or reaches the maximum that is available, a shift indicator is actuated to inform the rider that the time has come to shift to a lower gear. In the preferred embodiment, one or both pedals of a pedal-powered vehicle include a force sensor which controls a force-dependent pulse-repetition frequency, pulse width or carrier frequency of a radio, or other, signal which is transmitted to a receiver stationarily mounted on the vehicle. The received signal controls the amount of boost applied. A cadence indicator may be included to assist the rider in gear management.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A power augmentation system for a pedal-powered vehicle, comprising:

means for generating a force-dependent signal having a variable characteristic responsive to a pedal force applied to at least one pedal of said vehicle;
a control system;
said control system including means for producing a motor-control signal in response to said force-dependent signal;
said motor-control signal being adapted for applying a variable amount of electric power to a motor;
said variable amount being related to said variable characteristic;
first controllable means for setting a lower threshold below which said variable characteristic is ineffective for applying said electric power to said motor;
and
second controllable means for controlling a slope of said variable amount above said lower threshold, whereby said variable amount is a boost power controllably related to an amount by which said pedal force exceeds a value sufficient to achieve said lower threshold.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pedal power sensor and human powered vehicle drive augmentation responsive to cyclic pedal power input

Life of this patent

Pedal power sensor and human powered vehicle drive augmentation responsive to cyclic pedal power input

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8