Assist Operating Interface for Human-Powered Vehicle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Human-powered vehicles lack an effective assist driving system that can temporarily enhance or increase driving force efficiently, especially during periods of high demand or when human power is insufficient.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a base member, operating member, and assist operating interface that generates a temporary assist driving force for a limited period in response to user input, allowing for the adjustment of assist ratios and utilizing electrical switches and a controller to manage power consumption and transmission of control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an assist driving system is added to enhance driving force, then the driving force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be operated in different ways (first operation mode and second operation mode) to trigger different assist driving force generation modes. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate controls, thereby improving driving force while limiting device complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The assist driving unit dynamically adjusts its operation based on the operation mode detected from the operating member. The system transitions between different assist driving force generation states (temporary assist vs. ratio adjustment) based on real-time input detection, allowing the system to adapt its complexity to the actual driving needs
2Productivity
If a temporary assist driving force is generated for a limited period, then the productivity is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assist driving unit operates periodically rather than continuously - it generates temporary assist driving force only for a limited period when a first operation is detected, and remains in a lower energy state otherwise. This periodic activation improves productivity during critical moments while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (assist driving force magnitude and duration) based on the detected operation mode. By adjusting these parameters dynamically - providing high assist force temporarily when needed and reducing it when not needed - the system optimizes the balance between productivity enhancement and energy consumption
3Device complexity
If an electrical switch is shared between first and second user inputs, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the operation mode of the operating member and provides feedback to determine which assist driving force generation mode to activate. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with a shared electrical switch, the system reliably distinguishes between first and second operations by analyzing the operational characteristics, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that processes the electrical signal from the shared switch and determines the appropriate response based on the operation mode. This intermediary layer allows a single switch to control multiple functions reliably by interpreting the nature of each input rather than requiring separate switches for each function
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a base member, an operating member, and an assist operating interface. The base member includes a coupling end, a free end, and a grip portion. The coupling end is configured to be coupled to a handlebar. The free end is opposite to the coupling end. The grip portion is provided between the coupling end and the free end. The operating member is pivotally coupled to the base member about a pivot axis. The assist operating interface is configured to receive a first user input indicating that an assist driving unit generates a temporary assist driving force for a limited period corresponding to an operation of the first user input.