Controller of key technologies for electric tricycles for the elderly

Controller of key technologies for electric tricycles for the elderly

1. Controller overview
1.1 Definition and function
The controller of an electric tricycle for the elderly is one of the core components of the vehicle. It is equivalent to the “brain” of the vehicle. It is mainly responsible for receiving operating instructions from the driver, such as acceleration, deceleration, steering, etc., and accurately controlling the speed, torque and other parameters of the motor according to these instructions, so as to drive the vehicle to drive smoothly and safely. The controller can also monitor and adjust the battery management system of the vehicle to ensure that the battery charging and discharging process is in a safe and efficient state and extend the battery life. In addition, it can communicate and work with other on-board electronic equipment to realize functions such as vehicle status monitoring and fault diagnosis, providing elderly drivers with a more convenient and reliable driving experience.

2. Key technical principles
2.1 PWM modulation technology
PWM (pulse width modulation) technology is one of the core technologies in the controller of electric tricycles for the elderly. The power output of the motor is controlled by changing the width of the pulse signal, thereby realizing precise regulation of vehicle speed and torque. In electric three-wheeled scooters for the elderly, PWM modulation technology can convert electrical energy into mechanical energy with an efficiency of more than 95%, significantly improving the energy efficiency of the vehicle. For example, after a certain brand of electric three-wheeled scooters for the elderly adopted advanced PWM modulation technology, its cruising range was increased by about 20% compared with traditional control methods. In addition, PWM modulation technology can also realize the soft start function, reduce the current impact when the motor starts, and extend the service life of the motor. In practical applications, this technology can make the vehicle more stable during the start and acceleration process, avoid vehicle jitter caused by sudden current changes, and provide a more comfortable driving experience for elderly drivers.
2.2 Vector control algorithm
The vector control algorithm is an indispensable part of modern electric vehicle controllers. It precisely controls the magnetic field and torque of the motor so that the motor can maintain efficient operation under different working conditions. In electric three-wheeled scooters for the elderly, the vector control algorithm can dynamically adjust the parameters of the motor according to the actual driving state of the vehicle, such as speed, load, etc., to ensure that the vehicle can maintain stable power output under various road conditions. Research shows that the stability of power output of electric three-wheeled scooters using vector control algorithms has been improved by more than 30%, and they can better cope with complex road conditions. For example, when climbing a slope or with a heavy load, the vector control algorithm can automatically increase the torque output of the motor, allowing the vehicle to climb easily or drive steadily. At the same time, the vector control algorithm can also achieve precise regenerative braking control, recovering the energy during vehicle braking and storing it in the battery, thereby improving energy utilization. Experimental data shows that the braking energy recovery of electric three-wheeled scooters for the elderly using vector control algorithms is about 15% higher than that of traditional control methods, which not only extends the vehicle’s cruising range, but also reduces dependence on batteries and reduces the cost of use.

3. Controller Functional Characteristics
3.1 Speed ​​Regulation Function
The speed regulation function of the controller of the electric three-wheeled scooter for the elderly is an important performance embodiment. Through advanced control technology, the controller can achieve precise regulation of the vehicle speed. For example, using PWM modulation technology, the controller can efficiently convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, making the vehicle speed regulation range wider and more accurate. After using this technology, a certain brand of scooter can adjust the speed with an accuracy of ±1km/h, meeting the needs of elderly drivers for smooth driving. At the same time, the application of the vector control algorithm further optimizes the speed regulation performance, so that the vehicle can maintain a stable speed output under different loads and road conditions, avoiding driving discomfort caused by speed fluctuations. In actual tests, when the vehicle load increases by 50%, the speed fluctuation does not exceed 5%, which is significantly better than the traditional control method.
3.2 Safety protection function
The safety protection function of the controller is the key to ensuring the safety of elderly drivers. First, the controller has an overcurrent protection function. When the motor current exceeds the rated value, the controller will cut off the power supply within 0.1 seconds to prevent the motor from being overloaded and damaged, and avoid safety hazards caused by excessive current. Secondly, the controller also has an undervoltage protection function. When the battery voltage is lower than the set value, the controller will automatically reduce the vehicle speed and remind the driver to prevent excessive discharge of the battery and extend the battery life. In addition, the controller is also equipped with a variety of safety protection measures such as short-circuit protection and overheating protection to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle in all aspects. In actual use, these protection functions effectively reduce the vehicle failure rate. After using this controller, the failure rate of a certain brand of scooter has been reduced by 30%, providing a safer and more reliable travel tool for elderly drivers.

4. Hardware Design Points

4.1 Control Chip Selection

The control chip is the core component of the controller of the elderly electric three-wheeled scooter, and its performance directly affects the function and efficiency of the controller.

Performance requirements: The controller of the elderly electric three-wheeled scooter needs to handle complex signal processing and algorithm operations, such as PWM modulation and vector control algorithm. Therefore, the control chip needs to have high-performance processing capabilities, be able to quickly respond to the driver’s operating instructions, and monitor the vehicle’s operating status in real time. For example, the control chip used in a certain brand of scooter has a main frequency of 150MHz, which can meet the real-time control requirements of the vehicle under complex road conditions.

Integration and reliability: Highly integrated control chips can reduce the size and power consumption of the controller and improve the reliability of the system. At the same time, the control chip needs to have good anti-interference ability and stability to adapt to the operation of the vehicle in different environments. For example, control chips using advanced packaging technology can work stably in harsh environments such as high temperature and high humidity, with a failure rate of less than 0.01%.
Cost and compatibility: Under the premise of meeting performance requirements, the cost of the control chip is also an important consideration. In addition, the control chip needs to have good compatibility with other electronic devices and systems of the vehicle to facilitate system integration and upgrades. For example, the price of the control chip used in a certain brand of commuter vehicles is only 80% of that of similar products, and it can be seamlessly connected with the vehicle’s battery management system, motor and other equipment, reducing the system development cost and integration difficulty.
4.2 Circuit design and layout
Reasonable circuit design and layout are the key to ensuring the performance and reliability of the controller.
Power supply circuit design: The power supply circuit provides a stable power supply for the controller, and its design needs to consider the stability, efficiency and anti-interference ability of the power supply. For example, the power supply circuit using switching power supply technology can achieve a conversion efficiency of up to 90%, and at the same time has good anti-interference performance to ensure the stable operation of the controller under different voltage inputs.
Signal processing circuit design: The signal processing circuit is responsible for receiving and processing signals from the driver and vehicle sensors, and its design needs to consider the accuracy, anti-interference ability and response speed of the signal. For example, the signal processing circuit using high-precision analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital signal processors (DSPs) can achieve accurate signal processing, with a signal accuracy of ±0.5% and a response time of less than 1ms.
Circuit layout optimization: Reasonable circuit layout can reduce signal interference and improve system reliability. For example, the use of multi-layer circuit board design and the reasonable distribution of power lines, signal lines and ground lines can effectively reduce signal interference and improve the system’s anti-interference ability. At the same time, optimizing the heat dissipation design of the circuit board, such as using a large area heat sink and a reasonable heat dissipation channel, can ensure the stable operation of the controller in a high temperature environment, with an operating temperature range of -20℃ to +70℃.

5. Key points of software design
5.1 Implementation of control algorithm
The control algorithm of the controller is one of the key factors to ensure the performance of the electric three-wheeled scooter for the elderly. Through precise algorithm implementation, the controller can efficiently manage the power output and operating status of the vehicle.
Optimization of vector control algorithm: The vector control algorithm can decouple the magnetic field and torque of the motor to achieve precise control of the motor. In the electric three-wheeled scooter for the elderly, the optimized vector control algorithm can dynamically adjust the parameters of the motor according to the actual driving status of the vehicle, such as speed, load, etc., to ensure that the vehicle can maintain stable power output under various road conditions. Experimental data show that the power output stability of the vehicle is improved by 35% by using the optimized vector control algorithm. When climbing a slope or with a heavy load, the torque output of the motor can automatically increase by 10% to 20%, allowing the vehicle to easily cope with complex road conditions.
Application of fuzzy control algorithm: The fuzzy control algorithm can handle the uncertainty in the system and is suitable for complex nonlinear systems. In the controller of the electric three-wheeled scooter for the elderly, the fuzzy control algorithm can automatically adjust the control parameters according to the driver’s operating habits and the actual operating status of the vehicle to achieve a more humane driving experience. For example, during acceleration and deceleration, the fuzzy control algorithm can automatically adjust the acceleration and deceleration rate according to the vehicle’s speed change rate and the driver’s operating intention, making the vehicle’s driving smoother. After a certain brand of scooter adopted the fuzzy control algorithm, the vehicle’s acceleration and deceleration stability increased by 25%, significantly reducing the vehicle shaking caused by improper operation.
Adaptive control algorithm: The adaptive control algorithm can monitor the vehicle’s operating status in real time and automatically adjust the control strategy according to environmental changes. In the elderly electric three-wheeled scooter, the adaptive control algorithm can automatically adjust the vehicle’s power output and energy consumption management according to the remaining battery power, road conditions and the driver’s operating habits. For example, when the battery power is low, the adaptive control algorithm can automatically switch to energy-saving mode, reduce the vehicle’s speed and power output, and extend the vehicle’s cruising range. An experimental data shows that after adopting the adaptive control algorithm, the vehicle’s cruising range in a low-power state is extended by 15% to 20%.
5.2 Fault diagnosis and processing
Fault diagnosis and processing functions are an important part of controller software design. It can promptly detect and handle faults in vehicle operation to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle.
Fault diagnosis system: The controller’s fault diagnosis system can monitor the vehicle’s key components and operating parameters in real time, such as the temperature, current, and voltage of the motor, the voltage, temperature, and charge and discharge status of the battery, as well as the vehicle’s speed and steering angle. When abnormal data is detected, the fault diagnosis system can quickly identify the fault type and issue a corresponding alarm signal. For example, when the temperature of the motor exceeds the set threshold, the fault diagnosis system can issue an alarm within 0.5 seconds and display the fault information through the vehicle’s dashboard to remind the driver to take timely measures.
Fault handling strategy: The controller adopts a corresponding fault handling strategy based on the severity and type of the fault. For minor faults, such as a slight drop in battery voltage or a slight increase in motor temperature, the controller will automatically adjust the vehicle’s operating parameters, such as reducing speed or reducing power output, to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle. For serious faults, such as a short circuit in the motor or an overheated battery, the controller will immediately cut off the power supply to prevent the fault from further expanding, and remind the driver to stop and check through the vehicle’s alarm system. After a certain brand of commuter vehicle adopted an advanced fault diagnosis and handling system, the vehicle’s fault handling time was shortened by 50%, significantly improving the vehicle’s safety and reliability.
Remote monitoring and diagnosis: With the development of Internet of Things technology, the remote monitoring and diagnosis function of the controller has gradually become popular. Through the wireless communication module, the controller can transmit the vehicle’s operating data to the cloud server in real time. The technician can view the vehicle’s operating status in real time through the remote monitoring system, and perform fault diagnosis and analysis. When the vehicle fails, the technician can remotely guide the driver to perform simple troubleshooting, or arrange maintenance personnel to perform on-site repairs in a timely manner. The remote monitoring and diagnosis system of a certain brand of scooters has covered more than 80% of the vehicles, greatly improving the after-sales service efficiency and customer satisfaction of the vehicles.

6. Performance optimization direction
6.1 Efficiency improvement
The efficiency improvement of the controller of the elderly electric three-wheeled scooter is one of the key directions of performance optimization. According to market research, the efficiency of the controllers of some scooters on the market still has room for improvement, with an average efficiency of about 85%. By optimizing PWM modulation technology, the power conversion efficiency can be further improved. For example, by using advanced modulation algorithms to make the frequency and duty cycle of the PWM signal more accurate, the power conversion efficiency can be increased to more than 90%. In addition, improving the vector control algorithm to make it more precise in controlling the motor under different working conditions can also improve energy utilization. Experimental data show that the optimized vector control algorithm can increase the vehicle’s cruising range by 10% to 15%, which not only reduces the cost of use, but also improves the vehicle’s market competitiveness. At the same time, optimizing the performance of the control chip and using chips with higher main frequency and lower power consumption can improve the controller’s computing efficiency and reduce signal processing delays, thereby improving the efficiency of the entire system.
6.2 Improvement of dynamic response
Improvement of dynamic response performance is crucial to improving the driving experience of electric three-wheeled scooters for the elderly. At present, the dynamic response time of some scooters during acceleration and deceleration is relatively long, with an average response time of about 0.5 seconds. By introducing the fuzzy control algorithm, the acceleration and deceleration rates can be quickly adjusted according to the driver’s operating intention and the actual operating status of the vehicle, so that the dynamic response time is shortened to less than 0.3 seconds. For example, when accelerating, the fuzzy control algorithm can automatically adjust the torque output of the motor according to the vehicle speed and the intensity of the driver’s acceleration command, so that the vehicle can reach the expected speed in a short time; when decelerating, it can quickly adjust the strength of the braking energy recovery according to the vehicle speed and the driver’s deceleration command to achieve smooth deceleration. In addition, the use of adaptive control algorithms can enable the controller to automatically adjust the dynamic response parameters according to road conditions and driving habits, further improving the adaptability and driving comfort of the vehicle. After applying these optimization algorithms, the dynamic response performance of a certain brand of scooters has been significantly improved. Drivers have reported that the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle are smoother and faster, effectively reducing the driving discomfort caused by operation delays.

7. Application Cases and Development Trends

7.1 Analysis of Typical Application Cases
The controller technology of electric three-wheeled scooters for the elderly has achieved remarkable results in practical applications. The following are some typical case analyses:
Urban community travel: In a large urban community, elderly residents generally use electric three-wheeled scooters as their daily travel tools. The scooters using advanced controller technology have fully demonstrated their speed regulation and safety protection functions. For example, when a certain brand of scooter is driving in a community, it can accurately adjust the speed through the controller according to the road speed limit and traffic conditions, and the speed adjustment accuracy can reach ±1km/h, ensuring the safety and comfort of driving. At the same time, the overcurrent protection and undervoltage protection functions of the controller effectively avoid excessive discharge of the battery and damage to the motor overload, extending the service life of the vehicle. According to statistics, the vehicle failure rate of elderly residents who use this brand of scooter in the community has decreased by 30%, greatly improving the convenience and reliability of travel.
Sightseeing in tourist attractions: In some tourist attractions, electric three-wheeled scooters are widely used for sightseeing. The vector control algorithm and regenerative braking control function of the controller play an important role in these scenarios. For example, when an electric three-wheeled scooter in a tourist attraction is climbing and descending, the controller can automatically adjust the torque output of the motor according to the road conditions, ensuring that the vehicle has sufficient power when climbing, and can achieve effective regenerative braking when descending, and recover and store the braking energy in the battery. Experimental data show that the scooter using the vector control algorithm has improved the braking energy recovery by about 15% compared with the traditional control method, which not only extends the vehicle’s cruising range, but also reduces the dependence on batteries and reduces the cost of use. In addition, the fault diagnosis and processing function of the controller can also promptly detect and handle faults in vehicle operation to ensure the safety and sightseeing experience of tourists.
Rural area transportation: In rural areas, electric three-wheeled scooters are an important means of transportation for the elderly. Due to the complex road conditions in rural areas, the performance requirements of scooters are high. The speed regulation function and safety protection function of the controller have been fully verified in these scenarios. For example, the controller of an electric three-wheeled scooter used in a rural area can automatically adjust the speed and power output of the vehicle according to different road conditions, such as muddy roads and bumpy roads, to ensure that the vehicle can run smoothly under complex road conditions. At the same time, the controller’s various safety protection measures, such as overcurrent protection, undervoltage protection, short-circuit protection, etc., effectively ensure the safe operation of the vehicle. According to statistics, the vehicle failure rate of the elderly who use this brand of scooters in this rural area has been reduced by 20%, greatly improving the safety and convenience of travel.
7.2 Future Development Trends
With the continuous advancement of technology and the continuous changes in market demand, the controller technology of electric tricycles for the elderly is also constantly developing and innovating, and will show the following trends in the future:
Increased intelligence and automation: Future controllers will be more intelligent and automated, and can achieve more accurate vehicle status monitoring and fault diagnosis. For example, by introducing artificial intelligence algorithms and machine learning technologies, the controller can analyze the vehicle’s operating data in real time, predict potential fault risks, and take preventive measures in advance. At the same time, the controller will also have more intelligent driving assistance functions, such as automatic cruising, automatic obstacle avoidance, etc., to further improve driving safety and comfort.
Integration and miniaturization: With the continuous development of electronic technology, the integration and miniaturization of controllers will become a future development trend. By adopting advanced integrated circuit technology and packaging technology, the size of the controller will continue to shrink, and the functions will be richer. This can not only reduce the manufacturing cost of the vehicle, but also improve the space utilization of the vehicle, providing a more convenient driving experience for the elderly.
Energy efficiency improvement: Under the background of environmental protection and energy conservation, improving the energy efficiency of the controller will become an important development direction in the future. By optimizing PWM modulation technology and vector control algorithms, the power conversion efficiency and energy utilization rate can be further improved, and the vehicle’s cruising range can be extended. In addition, the controller will be more closely coordinated and optimized with the vehicle’s battery management system, motor and other systems to achieve efficient energy management of the entire vehicle.
Integration with intelligent transportation systems: In the future, the controller of the elderly electric three-wheeled scooter will be deeply integrated with the intelligent transportation system to achieve information interaction and collaborative control between the vehicle and road infrastructure and other vehicles. For example, through the Internet of Vehicles technology, the controller can receive information such as road conditions and traffic signals in real time, and automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed and driving route based on this information to improve traffic efficiency and safety. At the same time, the controller can also communicate with other vehicles to achieve vehicle formation driving and collaborative obstacle avoidance, further enhancing the driving experience.