GB2485216A

GB2485216A - Electric pedal cycle with exercise program

Info

Publication number: GB2485216A
Application number: GB1018754.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joe Bowman; Mike Fritz
Original assignee: Ultra Motor Ltd
Current assignee: Ultra Motor Ltd
Priority date: 2010-11-08
Filing date: 2010-11-08
Publication date: 2012-05-09
Also published as: GB201018754D0

Abstract

An electric pedal cycle comprising an electrical control system 150 and an assistance mechanism 118, the control system 150 being adapted to control operation of the cycle to implement a predetermined exercise programme and to compensate for terrain across which the cycle may be ridden. The electrical control system may be adapted to monitor values of one or more characteristics of a rider comprising one or more physiological characteristics and to control the assistance mechanism in correspondence with the one or more monitored characteristics. The control system may also increase a load on a rider by means of regenerative braking. In addition, the control system may control the assistance mechanism in response to a direct measurement of a gradient upon which the cycle is ridden.

Description

ELECTRIC PEDAL CYCLE

The present invention relates to an electric pedal cycle, and more particularly to an electric pedal bicycle.

BACKGROUND

As well as being a versatile means of transport, traditional bicycles that are solely pedal powered are widely ridden by those wishing to improve or maintain their physical fitness. The availability of suitable terrain can be a limiting factor in providing an optimised programme of physical exercise when using a traditional bicycle. For example, in areas of relatively flat terrain, it is difficult to obtain the same physical experience that can be derived from a vigorous hill-climb! However, in areas of hilly terrain, the down-hill stage of a ride may provide an unwanted interruption in a programme of exercise, reducing its effectiveness and permitting potentially harmful coaling of muscles, which can lead to injuries. Further, even in areas having mixed terrain, control over the programmes of exercise is hampered by the rigid arrangement of the local road system. Yet further, on bicycle journeys between predetermined locations, such as commuting between home and work, the rider may have no choice over the physical experience provided by his journey.

Additionally, riders who suffer from medical conditions such as enlarged hearts or pre-existing coronary damage, or who are taking certain medications may require to avoid exercising their hearts above a maximal heart rate.

An alternative to the traditional solely pedal-powered bicycle is an electric pedal bicycle. Known electric pedal bicycles combine a pedal-powered drive train with an electrical power system. The electrical power system may be used as an alternative to pedalling the bicycle, or may be used to supplement pedal power, in order to increase the speed of travel, for example when ascending hills or cycling into a strong headwind. In simple electric pedal bicycles, the supplementary electrically generated power may be provided at a constant power level or a constant torque (also referred to as "moment'). The constant power or torque is set by the user with a manually operable control, for example with a rotatable grip on one of the handlebars. However, in more advanced electric pedal bicycles, the supplementary electrically generated power may be provided at a non-constant rate determined by a feedback system. In such a feedback system, the supplementary electrically generated power is regulated by the control system to be in direct proportion to the speed with which the rider rotates the cranks, the torque that the rider applies to the s cranks, or a combination of both, so that electrical assistance is provided in direct proportion to the input power of the rider to the bicycle. Typically the electrical assistance is limited to cut-off above a maximum vehicle velocity established by regulatory authorities.

However, the known control systems for the supplementary electrical power systems are designed for the purpose of increasing the speed and/or range of a rider, compared with a traditional pedal-only bicycle. Accordingly, there remains a need for an improved electric pedal bicycle adapted to meet the needs of riders wishing to gain or improve their physical fitness.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric pedal cycle comprising an electrical control system and an assistance mechanism, the control system being adapted to control operation of the cycle: to implement a predetermined exercise programme; and to compensate for terrain across which the cycle may be ridden.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric pedal cycle comprising an electrical control system and an assistance mechanism, the control system being is adapted: to monitor values of one or more characteristics of a rider comprising one or more physiological characteristics; and to control the assistance mechanism in correspondence with the one or more monitored characteristics.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an electric pedal cycle comprising controlling operation of the cycle in correspondence with: implementation of a predetermined exercise programme; and terrain across which the cycle is ridden.

s According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an electric pedal cycle comprising: monitoring one or more characteristics of a rider, comprising one or more physiological characteristics; and controlling an assistance mechanism in correspondence with the one or more monitored physiological characteristics.

Advantageously, the present invention enables a cycle rider to follow a predetermined programme of exercise independently of the route chosen, and the gradient and wind conditions encountered on that route. Advantageously, the present invention enables riders to vary their route, when repeating a programme of exercise.

Advantageously, the present invention enables cyclists to simulate hill ascents in the absence of hills. Further, the present invention enables the avoidance of unwanted periods of low level activity on hill descents, which reduce the effectiveness of an exercise programme, and avoiding harmful muscle cooling during an exercise programme.

Advantageously, the present invention enables riders to carefully control the level of exercise that they are undertaking, in particular avoiding excessive exertion (for example on very steep ascents), thereby reducing or avoiding the occurrence of injuries (for example reducing knee inflammation through reducing maximal knee loading, or reducing the risk of coronary damage through excessive heart rates).

Advantageously, the present invention enables cyclists to target their cycle programme to specific modes of exercise, for example focusing upon heart rate, applied torque or pedalling speed.

Advantageously the control system of the electric pedal cycle may be operable to provide a programme of exercise without monitoring a characteristic of the rider.

The control system may be adapted to monitor values of one or more characteristics of a rider, and to control the assistance mechanism in correspondence with the monitored characteristic.

The one or more characteristics may comprise one or more physiological characteristics of a rider.

The control system may be adapted to control operation of the cycle to affect a characteristic of a rider in correspondence with a predetermined exercise programme, and to compensate for changes in terrain across which the cycle may be ridden.

A physiological characteristic may be a heart rate of a rider. A physiological characteristic may be a respiratory rate of a rider, A physiological characteristic may be a blood pressure of a rider. The cycle may be provided with a physiological characteristic sensor for monitoring the physiological characteristic. The control system may be adapted to control the assistance mechanism to minimise a difference between a monitored value of the physiological characteristic and a target value of the physiological characteristic.

A monitored characteristic may be a mechanical characteristic of a rider. The mechanical characteristic may be a torque that a rider applies to pedals of the cycle.

The mechanical characteristic may be a crank rotation speed of the cycle. The mechanical characteristic may be a power that a rider applies to pedals of the cycle.

The cycle may comprise a mechanical characteristic sensor for monitoring the mechanical characteristic of the rider.

The control system may be adapted to control the assistance mechanism to minimise a difference between a monitored value of the mechanical characteristic and a target value of the mechanical characteristic.

The control system may be adapted to provide electrically powered assistance to a rider in correspondence with gradient traversed by the cycle. The cycle may comprise an inclinometer adapted to measure a gradient upon which the cycle is ridden.

The assistance mechanism may be adapted to provide resistance. The assistance mechanism may be adapted to provide resistance by regenerative braking.

A resistance mechanism may be provided, the control system being adapted to control the resistance mechanism. The resistance mechanism may be a drag brake mechanism.

The method may comprise monitoring values of one or more characteristics of a rider, and controlling the assistance mechanism in correspondence with the is monitored characteristic.

The method may comprise affecting a characteristic of a rider in correspondence with a predetermined exercise programme, and compensating for changes in terrain across which the cycle may be ridden.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: + * Figure 1 illustrates of an electric pedal bicycle according to the present invention.

* Figure 2 schematically illustrates an operating system of an electric pedal bicycle according to the present invention.

* Figures 3A, 3B and 3C schematically illustrate corresponding gradient, target heart rate, and supplementary power or resistance over the duration of a bicycle ride in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

S Figure 1 illustrates an electric pedal bicycle (cycle) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 illustrates a operating system 150 of the bicycle.

The bicycle 100 has a frame 102, to which are connected a front wheel 104, a rear wheel 106, pedals 108 and corresponding cranks, a drive train 110, saddle 112, handlebars 114, and electric battery 116. The rear wheel 106 of the bicycle 100 is driven by the drive train 110, and the bicycle further comprises an assistance mechanism comprising an electrical motor 118 within the driven wheel, and a control system 120.

The operating system 150 comprises a control system 120 in direct or indirect communication with the battery 116, electric motor 118, motor controller 122, heart rate sensor 124, torque sensor 126, crank speed sensor 128, dispLay 130, user interface 132 and data storage device 134.

In use, the control system 120 controls the level of assistance provided to a rider by the application of supplementary power to the driven wheel 106 in response to characteristics of the rider, settings of the user interface 130, and the condition of the battery 116 (e.g. battery charge level). The supplementary power is drawn from the battery 116 and supplied through the motor controller 122.

The characteristics of the rider are physiological and mechanical properties of the rider, including a heart rate determined by the heart rate sensor 124, and the level of torque (moment) applied by the rider to the pedals as determined by the torque sensor 126, and the rate of rotation of the cranks by the rider as determined by the crank speed sensor 128. Conveniently the heart rate sensor 124 may communicate with the control system 120 over a wireless communication link. Other sensors may communicate with the control system over a wireless communication link.

Before or during riding the user can set the user interface 130 to determine the operating mode of the bicycle 100, for example turning the supplementary assistance on or off, setting a particular target heart rate and duration during which the control system controls the bicycle to bring about that heart rate in the rider, or to s provide assistance by means of supplementary power and/or resistance in accordance with a predetermined programme of exercise. Such a programme of exercise may have different target heart rates during successive periods.

Alternative or additionally the operation of the bicycle may be in correspondence with other physiological characteristics of the rider, such as respiratory rate or blood pressure. Similarly, alternatively, or additionally, the operation of the bicycle may be in correspondence with mechanical characteristics of the rider, such as crank rotation speed, torque or power applied to the pedals by the rider.

is If the control system 120 determines a difference between a measured value of a characteristic of the rider and target value of the characteristic, then the control system provides assistance or adjusts the level of assistance, in order to decrease the difference, e.g. by driving the electric motor 118 with electrical power drawn from the battery 116. For example, if during a hill ascent the measured heart rate of the rider is higher than the target heart rate, then the level of supplementary power provided by the electric motor 118 is increased, thereby reducing the level of physical exertion required by the rider, and correspondingly reducing the rider's heart rate to the target heart rate. Conversely, if when riding on level terrain the measured heart rate is below the target head rate, then the level of supplementary power provided by the electric motor 118 is reduced, in order to increase the level of physical exertion required by the rider, and correspondingly increasing the rider's head rate to the target heart rate.

As well as providing assistance to the rider to reduce the level of effort required by the rider, the bicycle 100 is additionally able to provide resistance to increase the level of effort required by the rider. The resistance may be provided by regenerative braking, in which the electric motor 118 is operated as a generator, with generated electrical energy advantageously being stored by the battery 116. Alternatively, generated electrical energy may be dissipated through an electrical load (not

S

shown). In a further alternative, the resistance may be provided by electro-mechanical operation of a resistance mechanism, such as a conventional brake, e.g. engagement of a drag brake of a type well known in the art, such as are commonly fitted to tandem bicycles.

S

Accordingly, if the control system 120 determines a difference between a measured value of a characteristic of the rider and the target value of the characteristic, then the control system provides resistance with the resistance mechanism, or adjusts the level of resistance, in order to decrease the difference. Typically the resistance mechanism would be deployed when the supplementary power mechanism is at a zero or minimum level. For example, if during a steep bill descent no assistance is being provided by the supplementary power mechanism, and the measured heart rate of the rider is lower than the target heart rate, then resistance is provided or the level of resistance is increased, thereby increasing the level of physical exertion is required by the rider, and correspondingly increasing the rider's heart rate to the target heart rate. It will be appreciated that it is within the scope of the invention that during a cycle ride only resistance may be provided, for example to provide resistance throughout a ride for the purposes of "resistance training" on level terrain.

During the ride, the control system 120 displays information about the ride on the display 130, which may conveniently be a handlebar mounted display screen. Data corresponding with the ride is recorded by the data storage device 134. After the ride, the data storage device 134 can be removed from the bicycle 100 and connected to a computer 136 for display and data manipulation.

Conveniently, the data storage device 134 may be a USB memory device.

Alternatively, the data storage device 134 and the computer 136 may be integrated, for example being a mobile telephonic communications device (e.g. the Apple, Inc. iPhonei). Conveniently, some or all of the control system 120, display 130, user interface 130 and data storage device 132 may be combined into a composite unit, which may be handlebar mounted and removable from the bicycle 100, Figures 3A, 3B and 3C relate to an exemplary bicycle ride across mixed gradient terrain, during the course of which the control system 120 controls the assistance provided by the bicycle 100 to the rider in order to cause the rider's heart rate to follow a pre-programmed activity sequence, by means of selective provision of supplementary power and resistance. Figure 3A illustrate the gradient 0 of the terrain covered during the ride 300, which comprises flat sections 302A, 3028 and 302C, and up-hill 304 and down-hill 306 sections. Figure 38 illustrates the rider3s target heart rate H 310 during the ride, according to an exercise programme that has been pre-set on the user interfacel32 prior to commencing the ride. The exercise programme has sections of increasing heart rate 312A and 312B, periods of peak heart rate 314A and 3148, a period of moderate heart rate 316, and sections of reducing heart rate 318A and 318B. Figure 3C illustrates an exemplary profile 320 of assistance A over the duration of the ride, as a function of time T. The first section 322 commences with a modest level of supplementary power being supplied by the battery powered electric motor 118, which is decreased throughout the first period to cause the heart rate of the rider to increase to a peak heart rate 314A, in correspondence with the target heart rate profile 310. During the second section 324, supplementary power is provided to a rider at an elevated level to maintain the heart rate at the same level, despite having reached an uphill gradient 304. During the third section 336, the level of supplementary power is increased further to enable the heart rate to reduce to the moderate rate 316, despite continuing to ascend. During the fourth section 328, supplementary power is provided at a moderate rate in order to maintain the rider's heart rate at a modest level. During the fifth section 330 resistance is provided to maintain the rider's heart rate at the moderate level 316 during downhill riding 306. During the sixth section 332 the level of resistance is increased, in order to cause the rider's heart rate to increase to the peak level 3148, despite the continued descent 306. During the seventh section 334 the level of resistance is maintained at a high level. During the eighth section 336 the level of resistance is reduced, to cause a reduction in the rider's heart rate. At the start of the ninth period 338, the resistance is turned off and supplementary power is provided in response to the transition from downhill to level terrain, and with the level of supplementary power increasing during the ninth section 338, in order to reduce the level of exertion required from the rider, so that the rider's heart rate decreases back to a low level.

As is illustrated by Figures 3A to 3C, the present invention enables a bicycle rider to follow a predetermined programme of exercise that is substantially disassociated from the gradients (and wind conditions) encountered. For example, by following a suitable programme of activity, a cycle ride across mundane terrain could be s transformed into a simulation of dramatic terrain providing an energetic work-out.

After completion of the exercise programme, the supplementary power and/or resistance functions may be disabled, or the supplementary power may be raised to a pre-set or maximal level to facilitate the final part of the journey, and a swift return home.

Although the invention has been described with respect to bicycles, it will be understood that it is equally applicable to electric pedal powered cycles having other than two wheels, including but not limited to unicycles, tricycles and quadracycles is (four-wheeled cycles).

Although the invention has been described with respect to the use of an electric battery 116, it will be understood that it is equally applicable to other portable energy storage devices, including capacitors and fuel cells.

The figures provided herein are schematic and not to scale.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean Including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features Ii disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features andfor steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAiMS 1. An electric pedal cycle compri&ng an electricifi control system and an assistance mechanism, the control system being adapted to control operation of the s cycle: to implement a predetermined exercise programme; and to compensate for terrain across which the cycle may be ridden.
2. A cycle according to claim 1, wherein the control system is adapted to monitor values of one or more characteristics of a rider, and to control the assistance mechanism in correspondence with the monitored characteristic.
3. A cycle according to claim 2, wherein the one or more characteristics comprises one or more physiological characteristics of a rider.
4, An electric pedal cycle comprising an electrical control system and an assistance mechanism, the control system being is adapted: to monitor values of one or more characteristics of a rider comprising one or more physiological characteristics; and to control the assistance mechanism in correspondence with the one or more monitored characteristics.
5. A cycle according to claim 4, wherein the control system is adapted to control operation of the cycle to affect a characteristic of a rider in correspondence with a predetermined exercise programme, and to compensate for changes in terrain across which the cycle may be ridden.
6. A cycle according to any of claims 3, 4 or 5, wherein a physiological characteristic is a heart rate of a rider.
7. A cycle according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein a physiological characteristic is a respiratory rate of a rider.
8. A cycle according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the cycle is provided with a physiological characteristic sensor for monitoring the physiological characteristic.s
9. A cycle according to any of claims 3 to 8, wherein the control system is adapted to control the assistance mechanism to minimise a difference between a monitored value of the physiological characteristic and a target value of the physiological characteristic.
10. A cycle according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein a monitored characteristic is a mechanical characteristic of a rider.
11. A cycle according to claim 10, wherein the mechanical characteristic is a torque that a rider applies to pedals of the cycle.
12. A cycle according to any one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the mechanical characteristic is a crank rotation speed of the cycle.
13. A cycle according to any one of claims 10, 11 or 12, wherein the mechanical characteristic is a power that a rider applies to pedals of the cycle.
14. A cycle according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the cycle comprises a mechanical characteristic sensor for monitoring the mechanical characteristic of the rider.
15. A cycle according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the control system is adapted to control the assistance mechanism to minimise a difference between a monitored value of the mechanical characteristic and a target value of the mechanical characteristic.
16. A cycle according to any preceding claim, wherein the control system is adapted to provide electrically powered assistance to a rider in correspondence with gradient traversed by the cycle.
17. A cycle accorcflng to claim 16, wherein the cycle comprises an inclinometer adapted to measure a gradient upon which the cycle is ridden.
18. A cycle according to any preceding claim, wherein the assistance mechanism s is adapted to provide resistance.
19. A cycle according to claim 18, wherein the assistance mechanism is adapted to provide re&stance by regenerative braking.
20. A cycle according to any preceding claim, further comprising a resistance mechanism, the control system being adapted to control the resistance mechanism.
21. A cycle according to claim 20, wherein the resistance mechanism is a drag brake mechanism.
22. A method of controlling an electric pedal cycle comprising controlling operation of the cycle in correspondence with: implementation of a predetermined exercise programme; and terrain across which the cycle is ridden.
23. A method according to claim 22, comprising monitoring values of one or more characteristics of a rider, and controlling the assistance mechanism in correspondence with the monitored characteristic.
24. A method according to claim 23, wherein the one of more monitored characteristics are one or more physiological characteristics of a rider.
25. A method of controlling an electric pedal cycle comprising: monitoring one or more characteristics of a rider, comprising one or more physiological characteristics; and controlling an assistance mechanism in correspondence with the one or more monitored physiological characteristics. is26. A method according to claim 25, further comprising controlling operation of the cycle by affecting a characteristic of a rider in correspondence with a predetermined exercise programme, and compensating for changes in terrain across which the cycle may be ridden.27. A method according to any one of claims 24, 25 or 26, wherein a physiological characteristic is a heart rate of a rider.28. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, comprising monitoring one or more characteristics of a rider, comprising one or more mechanical characteristics, and controlling an assistance mechanism in correspondence with the one or more monitored mechanical characteristics.28. An electric pedal cycle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference is to the accompanying description and any one of the Figures.29. A method of controlling an electric pedal cycle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying description and any one of the Figures.