The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 10, 2002
Filed:
Jun. 30, 2000
Michael John Lee, Carmel, CA (US);
William H. Lee, Watsonville, CA (US);
Other;
Abstract
A control system for an electric powered vehicle provides substantially greater control and related features than the simple control systems known in the art. The control system can be utilized with any type of electric powered vehicle, such as bicycles, scooters, tricycles, four-wheeled vehicles, and the like. In a first embodiment of the invention, the control system estimates an amount of heat generated in the vehicle electric motor and assigns heat credits based on the relationship between the estimated motor heat and a predetermined heat level. The operation of the motor is then controlled in accordance with the available heat credits so as to prevent overheating of the motor. In a second embodiment of the invention, the control system monitors the current state of charge of the battery and presents that information to the rider. Since the battery voltage is affected by the load on the battery mostly due to the motor, the motor is periodically disconnected from the battery so that an unloaded battery voltage measurement can be made. In a third embodiment of the invention, the control system monitors the current operational state of the motor to detect a failure mode in which the full battery voltage is applied to the motor, potentially causing it to run away at full torque and full speed. When a failure mode is detected, the control system first attempts to shut off control signals to the motor. If this fails to stop the failure mode condition, the control system disconnects the battery from the motor by opening a fuse. In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the control system includes a cruise control feature that allows the electric powered vehicle to operate at a desired speed set by the rider. In a fifth embodiment of the invention, the control system controls operation of vehicle lights to accommodate variations in battery voltage. In a sixth embodiment of the invention, the control system controls operation of a horn so that it can also function to provide audible signals reflection operational conditions of the vehicle. In a seventh embodiment of the invention, the control system allows the vehicle to operate in a biofeedback mode to serve as an exercise or training device for the rider.