Continuously Variable Transmission System

Abstract

For vehicles, particularly bicycles, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system is provided that assists the user in defining and controlling the speed ratios of the CVT. The user defines one or more speed ratios within a profile that can be selected again during subsequent rides. The user can select a profile and know the cadence and load associated with the speed ratios of that profile. The user can change the operation of the CVT by selecting from multiple profiles without changing any components of the CVT. The user can also select from operating modes, including stepless shift mode, manual shift mode, automatic shift mode, learning mode, and / or map mode.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] [Cross-Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 540,304 filed on September 25, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates in particular to a continuously variable transmission system for bicycles, and the continuously variable transmission can operate according to a predefinable and / or controllable speed ratio. BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Continuously variable transmissions are used in automobiles, snowmobiles and other vehicles to provide a potentially infinite number of speed ratios, which are mechanical advantages, between the engine and the tires or tracks that propel the vehicle. For example, with a continuously variable transmission, the engine can operate at a constant speed measured in revolutions per minute, while the tires or tracks, and thus the vehicle, can travel at various speeds and with various torques as needed. There are various types of continuously variable transmissions, including toroidal, ratchet, hydrostatic, hydrodynamic, conical, planetary gear types and the like. The most common type of continuously variable transmission is the pulley type, in which a belt is trained around two pulleys with variable diameters. One pulley corresponds to the input of the transmission, and the other pulley corresponds to the output of the transmission. When the diameter of the pulleys changes, the position where the belt rests on one pulley becomes higher, and the position where it rests on the other pulley becomes lower. As a mechanical advantage, the speed ratio between the pulleys, that is, between the input and output of the transmission, changes. Since the pulleys have a potentially infinite range of diameters and the belt has a potentially infinite number of mounting positions on the pulleys, the continuously variable transmission will have a potentially infinite number of speed ratios.

[0004] Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) mounted on bicycles offer similar advantages to conventional transmissions using sprockets and chains. For example, an CVT allows for a potentially infinite number of speed ratios between the user's pedaling force and the output speed and torque of the rear wheel. The appropriate speed ratio can be selected depending on the specific terrain, riding conditions, or other considerations. In contrast, conventional bicycle transmissions typically only have 3 to 21 gear ratios, forcing the user to choose from a limited selection. However, the user cannot select a precise and appropriate gear ratio, such as 3.5 or 4.7, from this limited selection.

[0005] Traditional gear shifters have features that are undesirable to some users and are absent in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). For example, traditional gear shifters have pre-set, user-familiar gear ratios. Therefore, users can select a gear ratio immediately after starting to ride, understand the corresponding torque and cadence, and then pedal accordingly. This is something that is typically not possible with CVTs. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The object of the embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for bicycles that allows a user to define and save specific speed ratios, which can then be recalled and used during subsequent rides. This allows the user to quickly select a predetermined speed ratio as soon as they start riding the bicycle, and to pedal with knowledge of the torque and cadence associated with that speed ratio. By making the speed ratios of the CVT definable and / or controllable, the user can customize the riding characteristics of the bicycle without changing hardware such as cassettes, gears, and sprockets that accompany conventional derailleurs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system comprising a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a controller unit for instructing the CVT to change to or maintain a specific speed ratio, and / or other components. In some embodiments, the system includes an input device that, when operated by a user, sends input to the controller unit for defining a speed ratio, selecting a speed ratio, selecting an operating mode, and so on. The system may also include a shift device that, when operated by a user, sends input to the controller unit for changing the speed ratio of the CVT. In various embodiments, the shift device is a lever, similar to a conventional bicycle shifter, with different physical positions of the lever corresponding to different speed ratios. Alternatively, the shift device may be part of a rotating handle, a button displayed on the handlebars or on a screen. Embodiments of the system may consist of some, all, or other combinations of the components described herein.

[0008] One aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a continuously variable transmission system in which a user operates an input device to define at least one speed ratio in a profile stored in a controller unit for subsequent use. In some embodiments, the input device comprises a screen with a user interface that functions as a display and has at least one button for interacting with the input device, the user using the button to define the speed ratio. The screen may be an LED, LCD, plasma, or other type of screen. In another embodiment, the input device is a touchscreen, and the user interacts with the input device and defines the speed ratio by touching the touchscreen. The input device can consist of any device that transmits user input to the system's controller unit.

[0009] Among the many parameters, the speed ratio can be saved in a profile for later use. A profile is a dataset of values ​​for various parameters described herein. In a minimal configuration, the user can define a single speed ratio within a profile so that the gears and bicycle operate as a single-speed ratio bicycle, a so-called "fixie." In other embodiments, the user can define multiple speed ratios within a profile and freely select the speed ratios themselves as well as the number of speed ratios. In one exemplary embodiment, the user can define 10 speed ratios, setting the difference between the first few speed ratios to be relatively small and the difference between 9th and 10th gear to be larger than the difference between any other speed ratios. In another embodiment, 10 speed ratios can be defined such that the differences between adjacent speed ratios are equal. Alternatively, the user can define 10 speed ratios and select each speed ratio such that all speed ratio values ​​are different and the difference between two adjacent speed ratios is different at every step. The user can save profiles for commuting, training, bad weather, mountainous terrain, etc.

[0010] Profiles can be recalled for use in different operating modes. For example, a user can select a manual shift mode and choose a specific predefined profile to use in that mode. Furthermore, the user can define any number of parameters within a profile. For example, the rate at which the continuously variable transmission switches between speed ratios can be defined. The user can choose a high-speed change with quick speed ratio changes, which is more suitable for racing or competition. Alternatively, they can choose a low-speed change with gradual speed ratio changes, which is more comfortable in normal situations. In addition, thresholds and conditions can be defined for when the controller unit performs automatic operations such as shifting up or down through the speed ratios or range of speed ratios in the profile. The system can also automatically set some or all aspects of the profile. In some embodiments, the user can select a desired number of speed ratios, and selectively choose a maximum and minimum speed ratio, and the system (specifically the controller unit) automatically sets the speed ratios. The system can set each speed ratio evenly between the maximum and minimum speed ratios defined by the user or otherwise pre-set.

[0011] One aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a continuously variable transmission system with a continuously variable transmission mode. In this mode, the user can change the speed ratio of the transmission in a stepless and continuous manner between an infinite number of speed ratios. The user can operate the shift device to send an input to the controller unit and change the speed ratio to any speed ratio between the minimum speed ratio and the maximum speed ratio. The minimum and maximum speed ratios can be predefined at the functional limits of the continuously variable transmission, or at any point between them. In another embodiment, the user can use an input device to define the minimum and maximum speed ratios of the continuously variable transmission mode. When the user selects the continuously variable transmission mode during subsequent driving, the minimum and maximum speed ratios have already been predefined by the user. In yet another embodiment, the user can define a first minimum and maximum speed ratio in a first profile, a second minimum and maximum speed ratio in a second profile, and so on, and can select between multiple profiles after selecting the continuously variable transmission mode. Furthermore, users will understand that they can control other aspects of the system, such as the speed at which the continuously variable transmission's speed ratio changes through the operation of the shift mechanism.

[0012] A further aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a continuously variable transmission system with a manual shifting mode. When using the bicycle, the user can select the manual shifting mode and choose one profile from several profiles, and then begin riding the bicycle knowing the specific speed ratios included in that profile. The user can then manually shift between predetermined speed ratios, for example, using a shifter.

[0013] Another aspect of embodiments of this disclosure is the provision of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system with an automatic shifting mode. In automatic shifting mode, after selecting a mode, the user can choose from a number of profiles that are predetermined or otherwise configured by the user. These profiles may include one or more speed ratios or other characteristics as described herein. While driving in the selected profile, the controller unit receives one or more inputs and determines when to automatically switch speed ratios. For example, the controller unit receives an input from a torque sensor indicating that the user is applying a heavy load at the current speed ratio. When the torque input exceeds a threshold, the controller unit automatically changes the speed ratio of the CVT to another speed ratio within the selected profile. As described herein, the controller unit may also take into account input from a cadence sensor, the length of time the threshold has been above (or below) a threshold, or other variables when determining when to automatically switch speed ratios. In automatic shifting mode, the user can also manually intervene in automatic shifting by, for example, operating the shifter to change the speed ratio of the CVT.

[0014] In some embodiments, the system can automatically perform actions such as modifying the speed ratio or other aspects of the profile based on input from a sensor. For example, the input device is a humidity sensor that can detect whether it is raining. When the user selects a profile to control the continuously variable transmission, the controller unit receives input from the humidity sensor and can determine that it is likely raining because the moisture value exceeds a threshold. Based on this, the controller unit modifies at least one parameter of the profile (such as the speed ratio) to reduce wheel torque to mitigate slippage in rainy conditions or to limit the overall speed of the bicycle to prevent slippage at high speeds.

[0015] One aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a continuously variable transmission system with a learning mode. For example, when a user selects the learning mode, a test run can be performed to create driving data. From this test data, geographical data such as distance traveled and elevation gain can be derived. Based on this geographical data, the system can automatically generate a profile that includes at least one speed ratio. In various embodiments, due to the relationship that greater elevation gain requires more speed ratios, the system generates profiles with more speed ratios. For example, by utilizing the learning mode and test runs, a user can have the system automatically set profiles for commuting, training, bad weather, mountainous terrain, etc.

[0016] The learning mode can be used in conjunction with other operating modes, and it will be understood that the various operating modes described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, in automatic shift mode, the controller unit collects data on manual intervention inputs by the user. If the controller unit shifts the continuously variable transmission down to a different speed ratio when the input torque exceeds a threshold, but the user manually reverses the change and returns to the original speed ratio, the system and controller unit can automatically raise the torque threshold for shifting down to the adjacent speed ratio.

[0017] A further aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure is the provision of a continuously variable transmission system with a map mode. In map mode, when the user selects map mode, the controller unit can automatically create a profile based on geographic data derived from map data. For example, the system may include a transceiver for receiving Global Positioning System (GPS) data, and the controller unit creates a profile based on the local terrain. The system can set the number of speed ratios in the profile, taking into account the change in elevation (relief) within a preset radius. For example, in areas with significant elevation differences, such as mountainous terrain, the system can set more speed ratios compared to flat terrain. The system may also include ports for the controller or other processors to receive map data.

[0018] The first aspect of this disclosure is to provide a system for transmitting power in a bicycle, the system comprising: a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that converts power from a user to the wheels of a bicycle and is configured to operate at any speed ratio within a certain range of speed ratios; a controller unit that communicates operably with the CVT; and an input device that communicates operably with the controller unit and is configured to relay speed ratio input from a user to the controller unit, the controller unit being configured to set a speed ratio profile stored in the controller unit's memory based on the speed ratio input, and to operate the CVT at the speed ratio of the profile.

[0019] The first aspect of the system may optionally include a configuration in which an input device is configured to relay a second speed ratio input from the user to a controller unit, and the controller unit is configured to set a second speed ratio of the profile based on the second speed ratio input.

[0020] The system of the first aspect may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally include a configuration in which, based on a selection of a speed ratio, the controller unit is configured to shift the continuously variable transmission from a profile speed ratio to a second speed ratio.

[0021] The system of the first aspect may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally may include a configuration in which either an input device or a shift device relays the user's selection of a speed ratio to a controller unit.

[0022] The system of the first aspect may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally the profile may be one of a plurality of profiles stored in the controller unit's storage device, and the input device may be configured to relay to the controller unit the user's profile selection, in which the user selects one of the plurality of profiles for the operation of the continuously variable transmission.

[0023] The system of the first aspect may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally include a sensor configured to transmit sensor inputs to a controller unit, the controller unit configured to automatically change the continuously variable transmission from a speed ratio to a second speed ratio based on the sensor inputs.

[0024] The system of the first aspect may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally include a transceiver that operably communicates with a network and a controller unit, the transceiver being configured to relay a second profile from the network to the controller unit.

[0025] A second aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a system for transmitting power in a bicycle, the system comprising a continuously variable transmission configured to convert power from a user to the wheels of the bicycle and to be operable at any speed ratio within a range of speed ratios, a controller unit in operable communication with the continuously variable transmission, and a sensor configured to be capable of transmitting sensor input to the controller unit, wherein the controller unit is configured to be capable of automatically shifting the continuously variable transmission from a first speed ratio to a first speed ratio based on the sensor input.

[0026] The system according to the second aspect may optionally include a configuration in which the sensor is a cadence sensor, and the sensor input corresponds to the rotational speed of the crank of the bicycle generated by the user's pedaling.

[0027] The system according to the second aspect may include one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, and may optionally include a configuration in which the sensor is a torque sensor, and the sensor input corresponds to the torque applied to the crank of the bicycle generated by the user's pedaling.

[0028] The system according to the second aspect may include one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, and optionally, the controller unit may be configured to automatically change the operation of the continuously variable transmission from a first speed ratio to a second speed ratio when the sensor input exceeds a threshold value.

[0029] The system according to the second aspect may include one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, and may optionally include a configuration in which the controller unit automatically changes the continuously variable transmission from a first speed ratio to a second speed ratio when the sensor input falls below a threshold value.

[0030] The system of the first aspect may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally, the controller unit may include a configuration in which, based on a shift command from the user, the controller unit manually disables the automatic shift from the first speed ratio to the second speed ratio and changes the continuously variable transmission from the second speed ratio to the first speed ratio.

[0031] The system of the second aspect may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally include a configuration in which the controller unit changes the threshold that the sensor input exceeds or falls below when it automatically changes the operation of the continuously variable transmission from a first speed ratio to a second speed ratio based on manual intervention.

[0032] The system of the second aspect may include one or more of the embodiments described above and optionally include an input device that operably communicates with a controller unit, the input device being configured to relay threshold inputs from a user to the controller unit, and by setting thresholds that the sensor input exceeds or falls below, the operation of the continuously variable transmission is automatically changed from a first speed ratio to a second speed ratio, the thresholds being set for profiles stored in the controller unit's storage device.

[0033] A third aspect of this disclosure is to provide a system for transmitting power in a bicycle, the system comprising a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that converts power from a user to the wheels of a bicycle and is configured to operate at any speed ratio within a certain range of speed ratios, and a controller unit that communicates operably with the CVT, the controller unit being configured to receive geographical data, and the controller unit being configured to automatically set the number of speed ratios and the value of each speed ratio in a profile based on the geographical data, and to operate the CVT at the speed ratios of the profile.

[0034] The third aspect of the system may optionally include an input device that operably communicates with a controller unit, the input device being configured to relay a mode selection input from the user to the controller unit, the controller unit being configured to record driving data in a learning mode based on the mode selection input, and geographical data being derived from said driving data.

[0035] The system of the third aspect may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally, the geographical data derived from the driving data may include at least one of the elevation gain values ​​or the distance traveled values.

[0036] The system of the third aspect may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally comprises a transceiver that operably communicates with a network and a controller unit, the transceiver being configured to relay map data from the network to the controller unit, and geographical data being derived from said map data.

[0037] The system of the third aspect may include one or more of the embodiments described above, and optionally the geographical data derived from the map data may include an elevation difference value, which is the difference between the minimum elevation and the maximum elevation in a given geographical area.

[0038] As used herein, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that have both a linked (collective) and a discrete (individual) meaning in their function. For example, the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, and / or C” mean A only, B only, C only, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, and a combination of all A, B, and C.

[0039] Unless otherwise specified, numerical values ​​representing quantities, dimensions, conditions, etc., used in the specification and claims shall be interpreted in all cases as being modified by the word “approximately.”

[0040] As used herein, the term “a or an” entity indicates that there is one or more entities. Therefore, in this specification, the terms “a or an,” “one or more,” and “at least one” are interchangeable.

[0041] The use of “contains,” “consistes of,” or “has,” and their variations herein, is intended to encompass not only the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, but also additional items. Thus, “contains,” “consistes of,” “has,” and their variations herein are interchangeable. Furthermore, the use of “engages with” and similar phrases is intended to encompass any direct or indirect connection between the components.

[0042] As used herein, the term “means” is understood to be given the broadest possible interpretation in accordance with Section 112(f) of the United States Patent Act. Therefore, any claim containing the term “means” shall encompass all structures, materials, or actions described herein, and all their equivalents. Furthermore, these structures, materials, or actions, and their equivalents shall include all those described in the Summary of the Invention, the Brief Description of the Drawings, the Detailed Description, the Abstract, and the Claims themselves.

[0043] These and other advantages will become apparent from the disclosure of the invention contained herein. The embodiments, objectives, and configurations described above are neither complete nor exhaustive. The “Summary of the Invention” is not intended to represent, and should not be construed to represent, the entire scope and content of this disclosure. Where the “Invention” or aspects thereof are referred to herein, they should be understood to mean specific embodiments of the Invention / Disclosure, and should not necessarily be construed to limit all embodiments to specific descriptions. The Invention is presented at various levels of detail in the “Summary of the Invention,” the accompanying drawings, and the “Detailed Description,” and the inclusion or exclusion of elements or components in the “Summary of the Invention” is not intended to limit the scope of the Invention. Further aspects of the Invention will become more readily apparent from the “Detailed Description,” particularly in conjunction with the drawings.

[0044] It should be understood that any feature or aspect described herein may be combined with any other feature or aspect described herein, whether or not they derive from the same embodiment, to be subject to claims.

[0045] Any one or more aspects described herein can be combined with any one or more other aspects described herein. Any one or more features described herein can be combined with any one or more other features described herein. Furthermore, any one or more embodiments described herein can be combined with any one or more other embodiments described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] Those skilled in the art will understand that the following description illustrates the principles of the disclosure and that many different embodiments can be provided in various ways. The following description is intended to illustrate the general principles of the teachings of the disclosure and does not limit the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings, incorporated into the specification and forming part of the specification, illustrate embodiments and, together with the above general description of the invention and the following detailed description of the drawings, are useful in illustrating the principles of the invention. [Figure 1A] This is a block diagram of a continuously variable transmission, which is an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] This is a block diagram of a continuously variable transmission, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C] This is a block diagram of a continuously variable transmission, which is a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1D] This is a block diagram of a continuously variable transmission, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a controller unit for a continuously variable transmission, which is an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] This is a flowchart for setting the profile used in a continuously variable transmission, which is an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] This is a flowchart for setting a profile to be used in a continuously variable transmission, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the continuously variable transmission mode for a continuously variable transmission, which is an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the manual shift mode for a continuously variable transmission, which is an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the automatic shift mode for a continuously variable transmission, which is an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the automatic shift mode for a continuously variable transmission, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the learning mode for a continuously variable transmission, which is an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the learning mode for a continuously variable transmission, which is another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the map mode for a continuously variable transmission, which is an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] It should be understood that the drawings do not necessarily need to be to scale and can be modified to various dimensions. In some cases, detailed explanations that are not necessary for understanding the invention, or that would make it difficult to understand other detailed explanations, have been omitted. Of course, it should be understood that the present invention is not necessarily limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein. 2 Systems 4. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) 6 Controller Unit 8 Input devices 10 Shift device 12. Sensor Input 14 transceivers 16 Networks 17 Motor 18 Storage device 20. Central Processing Unit (CPU) 22 Computer-readable storage media reader 24 Work Memory 26 Programs (Code) 28 Profile Settings 29 Min / max speed ratio setting 30 Number of speed ratio settings 32 Setting the value of the speed ratio 34 Other Value Settings 36. Conservation of numbers and values 38 Profile Selection 40 Profile Settings 41 Min / max speed ratio setting 42 Setting the number of speed ratios 44. Automatic setting of speed ratio values 46. ​​Storage of Numbers and Values 48 Profile Selection 50 Stepless speed control mode 52 Mode Selection 54 Profile Selection 56 Shift Up 58 Shift down 60 Manual shift mode 62 Mode Selection 64 Profile Selection 66 Shift Up 68 Shift down 70 Automatic transmission mode 71 Automatic transmission mode 72 Mode Selection 74 Profile Selection 75. Checking the assist threshold 76. Checking the upper threshold 77 Motor Assist 78 Shift Up 80. Checking the upper threshold. 82 Shift down 84 Learning Mode 86 Mode Selection 88 Receiving manual intervention 90 Shift threshold change 92 Learning Mode 94 Mode Selection 96 Collection of driving data 98 Automatic Profile Setup 100 Map Mode 102 Mode Selection 104 Collection of map data 106 Automatic Profile Setup [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] The following text describes in detail numerous different embodiments, but the scope of that description should be understood to be defined by the claims set out at the end of this disclosure. The detailed descriptions should be interpreted as illustrative only and do not describe all possible embodiments, as it would be impractical, if not impossible, to describe every possible embodiment of a continuously variable transmission. Numerous alternative embodiments can be carried out using either the current art or art developed after the filing date of this patent application, and these are also included in the scope of the claims. In addition, additional embodiments of this disclosure can be created by any combination of features shown in the various drawings. Thus, embodiments of the claims can be created by combining the dimensions, appearance, and features of one embodiment of a power transmission with the dimensions, appearance, and features of another embodiment of a power transmission.

[0049] Figures 1A to 1D show various continuously variable transmission (CVT) embodiments with different component combinations. Figure 1A shows a system 2 comprising a continuously variable transmission (CVT) 4, a controller unit 6 that operably communicates with the CVT 4, an input device 8 that operably communicates with the controller unit 6, and a shift device 10 that operably communicates with the controller unit 6. Operable communication between the components of system 2 can be via wired or wireless connections. Generally, the controller unit 6 receives inputs from the input device 8 and the shift device 10, and operates the CVT 4 in a specific way, such as operating it at a predetermined speed ratio. In some embodiments, the shift device 10 can communicate with the input device 8.

[0050] The continuously variable transmission 4 can be configured as a continuously variable transmission capable of operating with potentially infinite speed ratios, i.e., mechanical efficiency, between input and output. In a vehicle such as a bicycle, the user provides power to the input of the continuously variable transmission 4 by pedaling the crank. The output of the continuously variable transmission 4 rotates the rear wheel of the bicycle, for example, via a chain or sprocket. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments encompass a variety of applications, including vehicles other than bicycles.

[0051] The controller unit 6 can receive input from the user, sensors, and other information sources. Based on these inputs, the controller unit 6 operates the continuously variable transmission 4 at a specific speed ratio, switches the speed ratio, changes the speed ratio at a specific rate, or changes other operating parameters of the continuously variable transmission 4. In the example of a pulley-type continuously variable transmission 4, the controller unit 6 can produce the aforementioned operations by driving a linear motor, hydraulic system, pneumatic system, etc., to change the distance between the pulley sheaves. This change in speed ratio causes the belt to travel at a higher position on one pulley and a lower position on the other, changing the speed ratio and mechanical efficiency of the continuously variable transmission 4. Therefore, controlling the distance between the pulley sheaves controls the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission 4.

[0052] The input device 8 allows the user to provide input to the controller unit 6. As described in the specification, the system 2 has different operating modes and speed ratios can be saved in profiles. Accordingly, the user can operate the input device 8 to provide input to the control unit 6 for setting speed ratios for profiles, selecting profiles, and selecting operating modes. In some embodiments, the input device 8 includes buttons, a touchscreen, or other interface that can be operated to provide input to the controller unit 6.

[0053] System 2 may also include a shift device 10. Once the user sets and selects the mode, profile, speed ratio, etc., they begin riding the bicycle. Operating the buttons or touchscreen of the input device 8 while riding the bicycle may be difficult for the user. Therefore, the user can operate the shift device 10 to send input to the controller 6 to switch speed ratios while riding the bicycle. In various embodiments, the shift device 10 is a conventional bicycle shifter consisting of a conventional lever or other component, where different physical positions of the lever or other component are associated with different speed ratios of the continuously variable transmission 4. In one embodiment, the shift device 10 includes a Hall sensor that detects the position of the lever or other component and sends an input to the controller unit 6. Based on that input, the controller unit 6 can operate the continuously variable transmission 4 at a specific (e.g., predetermined) speed ratio.

[0054] Figure 1B shows another embodiment of System 2, comprising a continuously variable transmission 4, a controller unit 6, and a shift device 10, but without an input device (reference numeral 8 in Figure 1A). Accordingly, System 2 is available for operation in continuously variable transmission mode. As will be explained when referring to Figure 4, the user may select continuously variable transmission mode, or System 2 may operate only in continuously variable transmission mode. In continuously variable transmission mode, the user can operate the shift device 10 to continuously change the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission 4. This continuous shifting is performed in a stepless manner, i.e., without predetermined speed ratios. For example, the shift device 10 consists of two buttons, one for shifting up and one for shifting down, and the user can operate the buttons to scroll through the speed ratio within a range of speeds. By holding down the shift-up button, the user can start scrolling the speed ratio toward a higher speed, lower torque speed ratio. When the user releases the shift-up button, System 2 operates the continuously variable transmission 4 at the selected speed ratio. Similarly, by holding down the downshift button, the speed ratio can be scrolled in the opposite direction toward a lower speed, higher torque speed ratio. When the user releases the downshift button, system 2 operates the continuously variable transmission 4 at the selected speed ratio. In other embodiments, the shift device 10 is equipped with a wheel, and rotating the wheel in one direction scrolls the speed ratio toward a higher speed, lower torque speed ratio, while rotating it in the opposite direction scrolls the speed ratio toward a lower speed, higher torque speed ratio.

[0055] In various embodiments, the speed ratio can be set by the shift device 10 rather than the controller unit 6. This allows the system 2 to operate at a predetermined speed ratio even in continuously variable transmission (CVT) mode. Here, the physical position of the lever or other components of the shift device 10 corresponds to the speed ratio of the CVT 4, and the shift device 10 may be characterized by holding or biasing the lever at a predetermined position corresponding to a predetermined speed ratio. For example, a spring-loaded stopper can be placed against the outer surface of a lever with a recess on its outer surface. When the user moves the lever so that the spring-loaded stopper fits into the recess, the lever is held or biased at a specific position. This causes the shift device 10 to transmit an input to the controller unit 6, causing the CVT 4 to operate at a specific speed ratio. The lever can be provided with recesses corresponding to multiple speed ratios, and the user can replace the lever or the shift device 10 itself to establish multiple different speed ratios.

[0056] Figure 1C shows a further embodiment comprising a continuously variable transmission 4, a controller unit 6, and an input device 8, but without a shift device (reference numeral 10 in Figure 1A). The user can operate the input device 8 to set the speed ratio profile during other operations described herein. The user can also select an automatic shifting mode for the operation of the bicycle and system 2, and system 2 can automatically change the speed ratio without input from the user or from the shift device.

[0057] Figure 1D shows an embodiment of system 2 comprising multiple components, including a sensor 12 that operably communicates with a controller unit 6. The sensor 12 can provide information to the controller unit 6 in the form of sensor inputs. As described with reference to Figure 6A, based on the sensor inputs, the controller unit 6 can automatically change the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission 4. For example, the sensor 12 may be configured as a cadence, detecting the rotational speed when the user rotates the bicycle's cranks. If the rotational speed becomes too fast, it is assumed that it would be more beneficial for the user to switch to a different speed ratio that reduces the user's pedaling resistance and increases the bicycle's speed. Therefore, when the cadence detected by the sensor 12 exceeds a threshold, the controller unit 6 shifts up to a different speed ratio that provides a faster, lower torque output to the bicycle's wheels. In any embodiment of this specification, the shift device 10 can be configured as part of or in combination with the input device 8.

[0058] Similarly, sensor 12 can be composed of a torque sensor that measures the torque the user applies to the bicycle's crank. If the torque becomes too low, it is assumed that it would be more beneficial for the user to use a different speed ratio that reduces pedaling resistance and increases the bicycle's speed. Therefore, when the torque detected by sensor 12 falls below a threshold, the controller unit 6 shifts up to a different speed ratio that results in a faster, lower torque output to the bicycle's wheels.

[0059] Other examples of sensors include, but are not limited to, heart rate sensors, GPS sensors, speed sensors, acceleration sensors, direction sensors (such as gyroscopes), wind speed sensors, wind direction sensors, humidity sensors, and temperature sensors. The controller unit 6 can also consider input information determined by the sensors, or other input information such as the current speed ratio of the gears, the motor assist level of the electric assist bicycle, and the battery charge status. The controller unit 6 uses these inputs to determine the position and posture of the bicycle, the weather, etc., and takes them into consideration when operating the continuously variable transmission 4. For example, the control unit 6 can determine that the posture of the bicycle, specifically the pitch, is an uphill angle exceeding a predetermined threshold. Based on this information, the controller unit 6 can shift the continuously variable transmission 4 down. Conversely, if the bicycle is in a downhill posture, the controller unit 6 can shift the continuously variable transmission up.

[0060] System 2 may also be equipped with a transceiver 14 that can exchange information with a network 16 such as the Internet. The transceiver 14 can relay further input information to the controller unit 6 via the transceiver 14. For example, a user can download profiles, operating modes, map data, geographic data, and other information from the network 16 to the controller unit 6 via the transceiver 14. In some embodiments, it is also possible for a user to transmit information from the control unit 6 to the network 16 via the transceiver 14. This is useful when a user wants to save profiles, operating modes, map data, driving data, geographic data, and other information in a remote location or share it with friends.

[0061] System 2 may also include a motor 17 that is operably connected to the bicycle wheel. An electric assist bicycle, or so-called "e-bike," is a vehicle that incorporates the motor 17 to assist the user under load, for example, when the user is riding uphill, traveling long distances, or under other heavy loads. In this disclosure, the controller unit 6 can command the motor 17 to assist the user, either as an alternative to or in combination with the user switching the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission 4. As illustrated with reference to Figure 6B, the controller unit 6 can cause the motor 17 to assist the user without switching the speed ratio under certain conditions.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a diagram of a controller unit 6 in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the operation, inputs, outputs (e.g., output from the controller unit to the continuously variable transmission) and processes described herein are performed. The controller unit 6 may comprise one or more components that communicate operably with each other via a bus or other components. Here, the control unit 6 comprises a storage device 18, a CPU 20 for performing arithmetic functions, a computer-readable storage medium reader 22, and a work memory 24.

[0063] For example, the storage device 18 may consist of storage media such as disk drives, optical storage devices, and solid-state storage devices such as programmable, flash-updatable RAM and / or ROM. The work memory 24 may also consist of storage media such as the RAM and ROM devices described above. In this disclosure, the term “storage media” includes ROM, RAM, magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and / or other computer-readable media for storing information, and may also refer to one or more devices for storing data.

[0064] The computer-readable storage medium reader 22 can be connected to further computer-readable storage mediums, and together (and in combination with the storage device 18), the storage mediums comprehensively represent storage mediums for temporary and / or longer-term storage of computer-readable information, in addition to remote, local, fixed, and / or removable storage devices. A communication system or transceiver (reference numeral 14 in Figure 1D) enables data exchange with the aforementioned network (reference numeral 16 in Figure 1D) and / or other computers described herein with respect to the computer environment described herein.

[0065] Furthermore, the controller unit 6 includes software elements, which are shown as being located within the work memory 24, including programs such as an operating system or other code. It is understood that implementations that replace the controller unit 6 can have many variations from those described above. For example, customized hardware may be used, or certain elements may be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software such as applets), or both. In addition, they may be connected to other computing devices, such as network input / output devices. Also, some or all of the components shown in Figure 2 may be part of an input device (reference numeral 8 in Figure 1D) in some embodiments. In further embodiments, the controller unit 6 and the input device 8 can be configured as the same physical device.

[0066] Figures 3A and 3B show flowcharts (methods) 28 and 40 for setting up profiles of one or more speed ratios, the flowcharts can be saved and recalled for subsequent runs. Figure 3A shows one embodiment of method 28 for setting up a profile, in which the user sets up the profile by operating an input device (reference numeral 8 in Figure 1D). An optional step in this method is step 29 in which the user defines the maximum and / or minimum speed ratios. The user inputs a number of speed ratios (30) and sets a value for each speed ratio (32). In some embodiments, the user selects the exact speed ratios of the continuously variable transmission (reference numeral 4 in Figure 1D) and assigns different values ​​to the different speed ratios in the profile. In other embodiments, the user selects values ​​corresponding to the speed ratios. Not all potential users may understand the exact values ​​of the speed ratios of the continuously variable transmission. Therefore, in these embodiments, the user can input "1" as the lowest gear that gives the user maximum torque and mechanical efficiency, i.e., the minimum speed ratio, and "10" as the highest gear that gives the user maximum speed, i.e., the maximum speed ratio, or a number in between.

[0067] The user can also customize other aspects of the continuously variable transmission's operation. In Figure 3A, the user can set the rate at which the continuously variable transmission changes the speed ratio (34). A high rate is suitable for competitive racing, while a low rate is suitable for casual riding. In other embodiments, the user can specify "1" as the slowest rate, "10" as the fastest rate, or a value in between. In other embodiments, the user can set the time taken to switch between adjacent speed ratios.

[0068] Once all desired parameter values ​​are set, the user can save the profile (36) and store it in the memory (reference numeral 18 in Figure 2) of the controller unit (reference numeral 6 in Figure 2). The user can then select a profile (38), and the controller unit operates the continuously variable transmission according to that profile. If multiple profiles are saved, the user selects one of the multiple profiles (38). In some embodiments, all or some of processes 30, 32, 34, 36, and 38, or any combination of other actions, may be included. For example, in one embodiment, as described with reference to Figure 4, the user sets a profile for a continuously variable transmission mode that sets the minimum and maximum speed ratios.

[0069] Figure 3B shows a flowchart 40 for profile setting, in which at least one value is automatically set by, for example, a controller unit (reference numeral 6 in Figure 2). An optional step in the method is step 41 in which the user sets the maximum and / or minimum speed ratios. Here, the user can set the number of speed ratios, and then the value of each speed ratio is set by an automatic method. The controller unit can set these values ​​in several ways. For example, the controller unit sets the first speed ratio to the minimum value, the last speed ratio to the maximum value, and the remaining speed ratios to equalize the difference between adjacent speed ratios. The generated profile is saved (46), and the user can select the profile during subsequent rides (48). In another example, the controller unit receives input such as geographic data obtained from map data or ride data, and creates a profile based on ride distance, elevation gain, elevation difference, etc. Here, the controller unit can determine the number of speed ratios for the profile by comparing the elevation gain with a set of thresholds, where the number of speed ratios increases as the elevation gain increases. For example, the controller unit sets the number of speed ratios to 1 if the elevation gain is below the first threshold, sets the number of speed ratios to 2 if the elevation gain is above the first threshold but below the second threshold, and sets the number of speed ratios to 3 if the elevation gain is above the second threshold but below the third threshold.

[0070] The user can control which values ​​are automatically set. In some embodiments, the user may want the values ​​of each speed ratio to be set automatically. Therefore, the user sets all parameters in the profile except for the values ​​of each speed ratio. The user can then instruct the controller unit to automatically set the unspecified values, i.e., the values ​​of each speed ratio. In automatic mode or other modes, if there are many parameters in the profile, the user can work based on a template profile. The user may not need to set all parameters in the profile manually or automatically. Therefore, the user can select a template profile with predefined values ​​for some or all parameters and modify the parameters as needed.

[0071] Figure 4 shows a flowchart (50) of the operation of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) mode. Here, the user can arbitrarily select the CVT mode (52) and arbitrarily select a profile including the maximum and minimum speed ratios. The user then operates the shifter to shift up (56) and down (58) in a stepless manner, rather than shifting between a finite number of discrete speed ratios (gear ratios). In other embodiments, the minimum and maximum speed ratios are predetermined by the manufacturer, and the user can start using the bicycle and CVT by selecting the CVT mode (52). In further embodiments, the CVT mode is the only mode or default mode, and the user can start using the bicycle and CVT without selecting a mode.

[0072] Figure 5 shows a flowchart (60) of the operation of the continuously variable transmission in manual shifting mode. Here, as explained in Figures 3A and 3B, profiles are predefined by the user or others. Therefore, the user can select the operation of the manual shifting mode (62), select a profile (64), and then ride the bicycle, shifting up (66) and down (68) as needed. Depending on the selected profile, the user is aware of the different speed ratios within the profile. Therefore, just like with a conventional bicycle derailleur with a sprocket, cassette, and chain, the user can pedal and ride with knowledge of the necessary cadence and load for each speed ratio. If a profile with a different speed ratio is required, the user can select another profile without changing the derailleur hardware.

[0073] Figure 6A shows a flowchart (70) of the operation of the continuously variable transmission in automatic shift mode. Here, the user can select the operation of the automatic shift mode (72) and select a speed ratio profile (74). Notably, the user can select a profile from the same group of profiles for different operating modes. Therefore, the user can select a profile in manual shift mode and then select the same profile in automatic mode.

[0074] Once a profile is selected (74), the controller unit (reference numeral 6 in Figure 2) can operate the continuously variable transmission (CVT) at different speed ratios, including upshifts and downshifts, according to the input from the sensor. In Figure 6A, the controller unit can receive input from a torque sensor, for example, corresponding to the torque applied by the user to the bicycle pedals and cranks. If the controller unit determines that the input value exceeds a threshold (76), it can downshift the CVT to make pedaling easier (78). Similarly, if the control unit determines that the input value falls below a threshold (80), it can upshift the CVT to increase the bicycle's speed (82). The controller unit can also consider other inputs, such as time. While the user has stopped applying torque to the pedals and is coasting for a while, the user does not want the speed ratio to change. Therefore, in some embodiments, the controller unit may determine whether the input value has fallen below a threshold as a period of time (e.g., 10 seconds), and the controller unit will upshift the CVT after the period has elapsed (82).

[0075] Another factor to consider for automatic upshifting and downshifting is the user's pedaling cadence. Cadence, or crank rotation speed, corresponds to the user's pedaling load; a slower cadence indicates a greater load, and a faster cadence indicates a lesser load. Therefore, referring to Figure 6A, when the controller unit considers cadence for upshifting and downshifting, the input value and threshold are reversed. If the input value exceeds the threshold, the controller unit shifts the continuously variable transmission up, and if the input value falls below the threshold, the continuously variable transmission downshifts. The controller unit can also consider combinations of torque, cadence, and time, and if the torque input exceeds a certain threshold and the cadence input falls below a certain threshold, the controller unit will automatically downshift.

[0076] If a continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes a shifter, the user can manually prioritize changing the automatic gear shift by operating the shifter to shift up or down. As described herein, these manual interventions can be incorporated into a learning mode, and the CVT system will change the automatic gear shift thresholds based on the manual interventions. Furthermore, the user can set the upshift and downshift thresholds when setting a profile, and these can be changed taking into account variables (torque, cadence, etc.) when setting the profile. More generally, each speed ratio can have conditions for upshifting and downshifting, and each condition can consist of one or a set of thresholds or otherwise to determine when to switch speed ratios.

[0077] Figure 6B shows another flowchart 71 of the operation of the continuously variable transmission in automatic shift mode. Similar to the flowchart in Figure 6A, the user selects the automatic shift mode (72) and selects a profile for operation (74). The system then considers values ​​from sensors, such as the torque sensor, by comparing them to various thresholds. First, if the torque value exceeds the assist threshold (75), the torque value is compared to the upshift threshold (76). If the torque value exceeds the upshift threshold, the controller unit downshifts the continuously variable transmission (78). If the torque value exceeds the assist threshold but falls below the upshift threshold, the controller unit does not change the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission but moves the motor to reduce the user's load. In this configuration, the system maintains the current speed ratio with assistance from the motor instead of changing the speed ratio.

[0078] If the torque value does not exceed the assist threshold, the torque value is compared to a downshift threshold 80, and the controller unit shifts the continuously variable transmission up as necessary (82). In this embodiment, the motor assists the user when the torque value is between the assist threshold and the upshift threshold, but it should be understood that the disclosure herein includes equipping the motor as part of an automatic shift mode or other mode. For example, in some embodiments, the system may include motor mode operation in which the user can turn the assist threshold and motor use on or off. The user can set the assist threshold manually or automatically, and the set assist threshold can be saved in a profile. In various embodiments, if the user stops pedaling without changing the speed ratio, the motor can continue to propel the bicycle or other vehicle. Furthermore, if the controller unit takes cadence into account for shifting up and down, as shown in the flowchart of Figure 6A, the input values ​​and thresholds are inverted.

[0079] Figure 7 shows a flowchart 84 of the operation in learning mode. The learning mode operations described here are not mutually exclusive, and it should be understood that the controller unit can perform multiple modes of operation simultaneously. The learning mode is one mode that can be performed simultaneously, for example, with the automatic transmission mode. Therefore, when operating the input device (reference numeral 8 in Figure 2), the user can select the automatic transmission mode (72 in Figure 6A) and the learning mode (86). During operation, if the controller unit automatically changes the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission and the user does not want that change, the user can operate the shift device to return the speed ratio to the original speed ratio. This action is a manual intervention, and the controller unit receives input for possible future operations (88).

[0080] Upon receiving a manual intervention (88), the controller unit can take several actions. If the controller unit receives a manual intervention after it has automatically downshifted (88), the controller unit can change the shift threshold (90). For example, if the relevant value from the sensor in automatic shift mode is torque, the controller unit can raise the threshold relative to the value from the sensor. In another embodiment, the controller unit can raise the threshold after two manual interventions have occurred during a single drive. In yet another embodiment, the controller unit can record a dataset of the user's manual shift points and thresholds and set a new threshold for automatic shifting based on that dataset. In another embodiment, upon receiving a manual intervention, the controller unit initiates a 10-second pause, during which time the controller unit stops automatic shifting. It should be understood that these and other actions can be performed sequentially or simultaneously in any combination.

[0081] Figure 8 shows a flowchart 92 of operation in other learning modes. Here, the user selects a learning mode (94) and collects driving data during a test run (96). For example, the user can take a test run between home and work. The controller unit can then perform one or more actions based on geographic data collected during the test run and derived from the driving data. The controller unit can automatically set a profile including the number of speed ratios and individual speed ratios based on the distance traveled and elevation gain obtained from the driving data (98). If the elevation gain is large for a short distance traveled, the controller unit can set more speed ratios and smaller differences between adjacent speed ratios. In other embodiments, the driving data may include cadence and torque information when the user shifts up or down. For example, the control unit averages multiple torque values ​​when the user shifts down from a third speed ratio to a second speed ratio and sets a torque threshold for the automatic transmission mode.

[0082] Figure 9 shows a flowchart 100 of operation in map mode. The user can start the system operation by selecting map mode (100). The controller unit (reference numeral 6 in Figure 1D) can automatically set the profile in several ways (106). For example, the controller unit can receive map data via a transceiver (reference numeral 14 in Figure 1D) and a network such as the Internet (reference numeral 16 in Figure 1D) (104). The geographic data used to build the profile can be derived from map data. Map data includes, but is not limited to, information about elevation delta within a geographic area. Here, the geographic area can be a circle with a radius of 1 mile, 2 miles, or any other shape predetermined or defined by the user. Within the range of the geographic shape, the geographic data has a minimum and maximum elevation value, and the elevation difference is expressed as the difference between the two values.

[0083] In another embodiment, the geographic area is a route plotted by the user, and the associated geographic data is derived from map data and plotted data. If the elevation difference within the geographic area is large, the controller unit can automatically set a higher speed ratio (106). If the elevation difference within the geographic area is small, the controller unit can automatically set a lower speed ratio (106).

[0084] The controller unit can automatically configure profiles (106) and save them for future use. Therefore, by setting the map mode (102), the controller unit can automatically configure profiles such as a commuter profile or other profiles for local recreational areas (106). The profile settings allow the user to use the profiles while commuting or driving in recreational areas, while using other modes such as manual shift mode.

[0085] While various embodiments of the System and Method have been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and changes to those embodiments will be conceivable. Such modifications and changes should be expressly understood to be within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, the language and terminology used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The use of “includes,” “constitutes,” or “has” and their variations is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. The claims are not necessarily limited to the specific functions or steps described herein. Rather, those specific functions and steps are disclosed as embodiments implementing the claimed System and Method.

[0086] As used herein, the term “automatic” and its variations refer to any process or operation that is performed without substantial human input. However, even if substantial or non-substantial human input is used in the execution of a process or operation, if that input was received before the execution of the process or operation, the process or operation may be considered automatic. Human input is considered “material” if it affects how the process or operation is performed. Human input that merely consents to the execution of a process or operation is not considered “material.”

[0087] As used herein, the term "bus" and its variations can refer to a subsystem that transfers information and / or data between various components. Generally, a bus refers to a set of communication hardware interfaces, interconnections, bus architectures, standards, and / or protocols that define the communication scheme of a communication system and / or communication network. A bus may also refer to a part of communication hardware that interfaces communication hardware with other components of the corresponding communication network. A bus may be a physical bus for a wired network, or a part of an antenna or hardware that couples communication hardware to an antenna for a wireless network. A bus architecture supports a predefined format in which information and / or data are arranged when transmitted and received over a communication network. Protocols can define the format and rules of communication within a bus architecture.

[0088] "Communication modality" can refer to any protocol or standard defined in a particular communication session or interaction, such as VoIP (Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol), mobile communications (e.g., IS-95, 1G, 2G, 3G, 3.5G, 4G, 4G / IMT-Advanced standards, 3GPP, WiMAX®, GSM, CDMA, CDMA2000, EDGE, 1xEVDO, iDEN, GPRS, HSPDA, TDMA, UMA, UMTS, ITU-R, and 5G), Bluetooth®, text messaging or instant messaging (e.g., AIM, Blauk, eBuddy, Gadu-Gadu, IBM Lotus Sametime, ICQ, iMessage, IMVU, Line, MXit, Paltalk, Skype, Tencent QQ, Windows Live Messenger® or Microsoft Network (MSN) Messenger®, Wireclub, Xfire, and Yahoo! This includes Messenger (trademark), email, Twitter (e.g., Tweets), and Digital Service Protocols (DSPs).

[0089] As used herein, the terms “communication system” or “communication network” and their synonyms refer to a set of communication components that can transmit, relay, interconnect, control, or otherwise manipulate information from at least one transmitter to at least one receiver. Thus, such communication may include a set of systems that support point-to-point or broadcast communication of information. A communication system may refer to a set of individual communication hardware and the interconnects associated with them that connect the individual communication hardware. Communication hardware may refer to dedicated communication hardware, or to a processor coupled to a means of communication (i.e., an antenna) that runs software capable of sending and receiving signals within the communication system using that means. An interconnection refers to any kind of wired or wireless link that connects various components, such as communication hardware, within a communication system. A communication network may refer to a specific configuration of a communication system in which the set of individual communication hardware and interconnects has some definable network topology. Communication networks may include wired and / or wireless networks, ranging from pre-configured network structures to ad-hoc network structures.

[0090] As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” refers to any tangible storage and / or transmission medium that is involved in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such mediums can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile, volatile, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM), or magnetic or optical disks. Volatile media include dynamic memory such as main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes or other magnetic media, magneto-optical media, read-only memory (ROM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), any other optical media, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical media with a pattern of holes, random-access memory (RAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash EPROM, solid-state media such as memory cards, other memory chips or cartridges, carriers as described below, or any other medium that a computer can read. Digital files attached to email, or other independent information archives or sets of archives, are considered equivalent distribution media to tangible storage media. When computer-readable media is configured as a database, it should be understood that the database may be of any type, including relational, hierarchical, or object-oriented databases. Therefore, this disclosure is considered to include tangible storage media or distribution media on which the software implementation of this disclosure is stored, and equivalent or successor media recognized in the prior art. Any computer-readable medium other than signal transmission may be considered non-transitory.

[0091] As used herein, the term “display” and its synonyms may be used interchangeably and can refer to any panel and / or area of ​​an output device capable of displaying information to an operator or user. Displays include, but are not limited to, one or more control panels, instrument housings, indicators, gauges, meters, lights, computers, screens, display devices, head-up display (HUD) units, and graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

[0092] As used herein, the term “module” refers to known or future-developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combinations of hardware and software that are capable of performing the functions associated with that element.

[0093] The terms “determine,” “calculate,” and “calculate,” and their variations, are used interchangeably herein and include all kinds of methods, processes, mathematical operations, or techniques.

[0094] While the embodiments, configurations, options, and / or setups illustrated herein show various components of the system located in the same location, certain components of the system may also be located remotely in a distributed network such as a local area network (LAN) or the internet, or within a dedicated system. Therefore, it should be understood that system components can be integrated into one or more devices such as personal computers (PCs), laptops, netbooks, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and tablets, or they can be grouped together at specific nodes in distributed networks such as analog and / or digital telecommunications networks, packet-switched networks, and circuit-switched networks. From the above explanation, and from the standpoint of computational efficiency, it is understood that system components can be placed anywhere within the distributed network of components without affecting the operation of the system. For example, various components can be placed in switches such as private branch exchanges (PBXs), media servers, and gateways, in one or more communication devices, on the premises of one or more users, or a combination thereof. Similarly, it is also possible to distribute one or more functional parts of the system between telecommunications devices and their associated computing devices.

[0095] Furthermore, it should be understood that the various links connecting the elements may be wired or wireless links, or a combination thereof, or any other known or future-developed elements capable of supplying and / or communicating data between the connected elements. These wired or wireless links may be secure links and may have the capability to communicate encrypted information. The transmission medium used as a link may be any carrier suitable for electrical signals, including, for example, coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, or it may take the form of sound waves or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave or infrared data communication.

[0096] Selectively, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can be implemented in combination with a dedicated computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit elements, an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hardwired electronic circuit or logic circuit such as discrete element circuits, a programmable logic device or gate array such as a PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, a dedicated computer, or any equivalent means. In general, various aspects of this disclosure can be implemented using any device or means capable of implementing the methods described herein. Typical hardware that can be used for the disclosed embodiments, configurations, and aspects includes computers, portable devices, telephones (e.g., mobile phones, internet-enabled phones, digital phones, analog phones, hybrid phones, etc.), and other hardware known in the art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors), memory, non-volatile storage, input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations, including but not limited to distributed processing, component / object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing, can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

[0097] In some embodiments, the disclosed method can be readily implemented in combination with software using an object-oriented or object-oriented software development environment that provides portable source code usable on various computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system can be partially or fully implemented in hardware using standard logic circuits or very large-scale integrated circuit (VLSI) designs. Whether to use software or hardware to implement the system according to this disclosure depends on the system's speed and / or efficiency requirements, specific functions, and the specific software or hardware system, or microprocessor or microcomputer system used. In yet another embodiment, the disclosed method can be partially implemented in software that is stored on a storage medium and is programmable in conjunction with a controller and memory, and can run on a general-purpose computer, dedicated computer, microprocessor, etc. In these cases, the system and method of this disclosure can be implemented as a program embedded in a personal computer, such as an applet, JAVA®, or CGI (computer-generated imagery) script, or as a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, or as a routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system or system component, etc. The system can also be implemented by physically embedding the system and / or method into software and / or hardware systems.

[0098] This disclosure refers to specific standards and protocols to describe the components and functions implemented in each aspect, embodiment, and / or configuration, but these aspects, embodiments, and / or configurations are not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein also exist and are considered to be included in this disclosure. Furthermore, the standards and protocols mentioned herein, and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein, are periodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents that have essentially the same functionality. Such alternative standards and protocols with the same functionality are considered to be equivalents included in this disclosure.

[0099] Examples of processors described herein include Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 800 and 801, Qualcomm® Snapdragon® 610 and 615 with 4G LTE integration and 64-bit computing, Apple® A7 processors with 64-bit architecture, Apple® M7 motion coprocessor, Samsung® Exynos® series, Intel® Core® processor family, Intel® Xeon® processor family, Intel® Atom® processor family, Intel Itanium® processor family, Intel® Core® i5-4670K and i7-4770K 22nm Haswell, Intel® Core® i5-3570K 22nm Ivy Bridge, AMD® FX® processor family, AMD® FX-4300, FX-6300, and FX-8350 32nm Vishera includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: AMD® Kaveri processors, Texas Instruments® Jacinto C6000® automotive infotainment processors, Texas Instruments® OMAP® automotive-grade mobile processors, ARM® Cortex®-M processors, ARM® Cortex-A and ARM926EJ-S® processors, and other industry-equivalent processors. Furthermore, these processors can perform computational functions using any known or future-developed standards, instruction sets, libraries, and / or architectures.

Claims

1. A system for transmitting power in a bicycle, A continuously variable transmission capable of transmitting power from the user to the wheels of a bicycle and operating at any speed ratio within a predetermined range of speed ratios, A controller unit that communicates with the aforementioned continuously variable transmission in an operable manner, The system includes an input device that communicates with the controller unit in an operable manner, The input device is configured to relay the speed ratio input by the user to the controller unit. The controller unit is configured to set the speed ratio of the profile stored in the controller unit's memory based on the input speed ratio. The system is characterized in that the controller unit is configured to operate the continuously variable transmission at a speed ratio of a set profile.

2. The input device is configured to relay the second speed ratio input by the user to the controller unit. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller unit is configured to set the second speed ratio of the profile based on the input second speed ratio.

3. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the controller unit is configured to shift the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission to the second speed ratio of the profile based on the selection of the speed ratio.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that either the input device or the shift device is configured to relay the speed ratio selection from the user to the controller unit.

5. The profile is one of a plurality of profiles stored in the storage device of the controller unit. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the input device is configured to transmit a profile selection from the user to the controller unit in order to select one profile from the plurality of profiles for the operation of the continuously variable transmission.

6. The system further includes a sensor capable of transmitting sensor input to the controller unit, The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller unit is configured to automatically change the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission to a second speed ratio based on the sensor input.

7. The system further comprises a transceiver that enables operational communication with the network and the controller unit. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transceiver is configured to relay a second profile from the network to the controller unit.

8. A system for transmitting power in a bicycle, A continuously variable transmission capable of transmitting power from the user to the wheels of a bicycle and operating at any speed ratio within a predetermined range of speed ratios, A controller unit that communicates with the aforementioned continuously variable transmission in an operable manner, The system includes a sensor that transmits sensor input to the controller unit, The system is characterized in that the controller unit is configured to automatically shift the continuously variable transmission from a first speed ratio to a second speed ratio based on the sensor input.

9. The aforementioned sensor is a cadence sensor, The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensor input corresponds to the rotational speed of the bicycle cranks generated by the user pedaling.

10. The aforementioned sensor is a torque sensor, The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the sensor input corresponds to the torque applied to the crank of the bicycle, which is generated when the user pedals.

11. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the controller unit is configured to automatically change the operation of the continuously variable transmission from a first speed ratio to a second speed ratio when the sensor input exceeds a threshold.

12. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the controller unit is configured to automatically change the continuously variable transmission from a first speed ratio to a second speed ratio when the sensor input falls below a threshold.

13. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the controller unit is configured to change the continuously variable transmission from the second speed ratio to the first speed ratio in accordance with manual intervention to an automatic shift from the first speed ratio to the second speed ratio based on a shift command from the user.

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that the controller unit changes a threshold based on the manual intervention, which causes the sensor input to exceed or fall below a certain threshold, thereby automatically changing the operation of the continuously variable transmission from the first speed ratio to the second speed ratio.

15. The system further includes an input device that communicates operably with the aforementioned controller unit, The input device is configured to relay a threshold input by the user to the controller unit, and to set a threshold that, when the sensor input exceeds or falls below a certain level, causes the operation of the continuously variable transmission to change from the first speed ratio to the second speed ratio. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that the threshold is set for a profile stored in the storage device of the controller unit.

16. A system for transmitting power in a bicycle, A continuously variable transmission capable of transmitting power from the user to the wheels of a bicycle and operating at any speed ratio within a predetermined range of speed ratios, The system includes a controller unit that communicates with the aforementioned continuously variable transmission in an operable manner, The controller unit is configured to be able to receive geographic data, The controller unit is configured to be able to set the number of speed ratios in the profile and the value of each speed ratio based on geographic data. The system is characterized in that the controller unit is configured to operate the continuously variable transmission at a predetermined speed ratio within the profile.

17. The system further includes an input device that communicates operably with the aforementioned controller unit, The input device is configured to relay mode selection input from the user to the controller unit. The control unit is configured to record driving data in learning mode based on the mode selection input. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that the geographical data is derived from the driving data.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that the geographical data derived from the aforementioned driving data includes at least one of the elevation gain and the distance traveled.

19. The system further comprises a transceiver that enables operational communication with the network and the controller unit. The transceiver is configured to relay map data from the network to the controller unit. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that the geographical data is derived from the map data.

20. The system according to claim 19, characterized in that the geographic data derived from the map data includes the difference in elevation between the highest and lowest elevation points in the geographic area.

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