VARIABLE RESISTANCE SERIAL HYBRID ELECTRIC BICYCLE

• US 20140353055A1
• Filed: 06/10/2014
• Published: 12/04/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kronfeld Motor Company
• Original Assignee: Kronfeld Motors LLC
• Inventors: Kronfeld, Richard, Smith, Lyon, Bockin, Russell, Castellotti, Steve
• Granted Patent: US 9,505,310 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/65.31
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/2009 for braking
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/12 Bikes
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2200/22 Microcars, e.g. golf cars
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2220/44 Wheel Hub motors, i.e. integrated in the wheel hub
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/12 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/423 Torque
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/425 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/461 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/622 by satellite navigation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/10 by alarm
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/16 by display
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2270/145 Structure borne vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0046 relating to electric energy storage systems, e.g. batteries or capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 3/0061 relating to electrical machines
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/20 using propulsion power generated by humans or animals
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/30 using propulsion power stored mechanically, e.g. in fly-wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/52 characterised by DC-motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/14 Conductive energy transfer
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/16 responding to battery ageing, e.g. to the number of charging cycles or the state of health [SoH]
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 7/12 for vehicles propelled by dc motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 8/003 : Converting light into electric energy, e.g. by using photo-voltaic systems
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 2005/001 : Suspension details for cycles with three or more main road wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 5/00 : Cycles with handlebars, equipped with three or more main road wheels cycle supports or stands equipped with additional wheels for ride stabilisation B62H1/12
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 5/08 : with steering devices acting on two or more wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 6/40 : Rider propelled cycles with auxiliary electric motor
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 6/60 : power-driven at axle parts
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 6/85 : Solar cells
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 6/90 : Batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/64 : Electric machine technologies in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 : Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 : Electric energy management in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 : Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 : Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles

Abstract

A drivable exercise machine may include an electric vehicle with human power input provided by a high output, variable-resistancepedal-driven generator. The vehicle may include a computing device with a user interface that mimics an electric exercise bicycle. Using one or more program modes, a user may activate pre-set, custom and dynamic terrain-based exercise program profiles while commuting.

Claims

1. A wheeled vehicle, comprising:

a vehicle frame configured to hold a user;

a battery within the vehicle frame to store energy;

a pedal generator system attached to the vehicle frame, the pedal generator system including pedals to interface with a user, and a generator configured to generate current for charging the battery, the pedal generator system configured to provide a variable resistance at the pedals;

a motor connected to the battery configured to propel the wheeled vehicle;

a steering system configured to steer the wheeled vehicle during operation;

a computing system attached to the wheeled vehicle, wherein the computing system is configured to provide the user with a selection of at least two program modes.

2. The wheeled vehicle of claim 1 wherein one of the program modes utilizes terrain data to adjust the variable resistance at the pedals.

3. The wheeled vehicle of claim 1 wherein one of the program modes utilizes a pre-programmed exercise program to adjust the variable resistance at the pedals.

4. The wheeled vehicle of claim 1 wherein the motor includes a motor controller.

5. The wheeled vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a braking system configured to slow and stop the wheeled vehicle during operation.

6. The wheeled vehicle of claim 3, wherein the braking system includes the motor, and is configured to use the motor to provide regenerative braking, supplying current to charge the battery.

7. The wheeled vehicle of claim 1 wherein the wheeled vehicle is a serial hybrid electric bicycle.

8. The wheeled vehicle of claim 1 wherein the wheeled vehicle is a recumbent serial hybrid electric bicycle.

9. A method of operating a wheeled vehicle, the method comprising:

receiving user input regarding control of the wheeled vehicle functions;

propelling the vehicle based on at least a portion of the user input;

receiving user input regarding use of terrain data; and

providing a variable resistance in a pedal generator system of the wheeled vehicle to provide exercise for the user.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the user input includes a throttle input.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the physical resistance is dependent upon the input received regarding the use of terrain data.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the variable resistance is provided by an electrical generator.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the wheeled vehicle is a serial hybrid electric bicycle.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein the wheeled vehicle is a recumbent serial hybrid electric bicycle.

15. A pedal-driven generator system comprising:

a set of pedals configured to allow for human power input;

a generator connected to the pedals to convert the movement of the pedals into electrical current;

a power supply configured to receive the electrical current from the generator;

a controller configured to provide a variable resistance to the set of pedals; and

a terrain sensor in communication with the controller, the terrain sensor to gather terrain data,

wherein the controller adjusts the variable resistance based on changes in the terrain data.

16. The pedal-driven generator system of claim 15, wherein the terrain sensor is a GPS receiver.

17. The pedal-driven generator system of claim 15, further comprising a switch in communication with the controller, the switch operable to adjust a recharge load on the generator in response to an input from the controller.

18. The pedal-driven generator system of claim 17, wherein the input from the controller is based on changes in the terrain data.

19. The pedal-driven generator system of claim 15, further comprising:

a servomotor in communication with the controller; and

a transmission including a gear shift mechanism in communication with the servomotor, the transmission coupled to the set of pedals and the generator,

wherein the servomotor is operable to activate the gear shift mechanism in response to input from the controller.

20. The pedal-driven generator system of claim 19, wherein the input from the controller is based on changes in the terrain data.