Bicycle App Interface for Reliable Wireless Firmware Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle electronic systems lack reliable wireless communication between external devices and components, limiting user interaction and adaptability, and require integrated smartphone holders for functionality, which is not compatible with pre-existing bicycles.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle electronic system with an APP-compatible device that allows firmware updates and parameter settings via wireless communication, using an APP interface module for interaction with the system's controller, enabling remote control and management through a server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used between APP-compatible devices and on-board controllers, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the on-board controller as an intermediary device that receives commands from the APP-compatible device and executes them locally. The controller stores and processes gearshift commands, acting as a buffer between the wireless communication interface and the mechanical gearshift system, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling wireless operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system is designed to be compatible with pre-existing bicycles, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The on-board controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle various communication protocols (Bluetooth Low Energy, ANT+), store multiple types of data (firmware, parameters, gearshift commands), and interface with different bicycle components. This universal design enables compatibility with pre-existing bicycles while managing complexity through integrated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested architecture where the on-board controller contains embedded memory for firmware and parameters, which in turn contains the operational logic for gearshift control. The APP interface module is nested within the controller structure, creating a hierarchical organization that manages complexity through modular nesting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If firmware updates and parameter settings are enabled through APP interface, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to technical complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service capabilities where the on-board controller automatically receives and installs firmware updates, and parameters are automatically configured based on APP commands without requiring manual technical intervention. The controller manages its own software maintenance and configuration, simplifying user interaction while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the on-board controller communicates system status, firmware version, and parameter settings back to the APP-compatible device. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust and confirm changes, reducing the operational burden on users while maintaining full adaptability through remote configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a bicycle management APP (62) dedicated to an APP-compatible device (60) configured to communicate with an APP interface module (50) of a bicycle electronic system (1). The bicycle management APP (62) comprises software code configured to carry out at least one of (a) updating a firmware stored and executed by a controller (16) of the bicycle electronic system (1), and/or (b) setting a value for one or more parameters of the firmware stored and executed by the controller of the bicycle electronic system (1). There are further described a bicycle electronic system (1) comprising an APP interface module; a user assembly (68) comprising an APP-compatible device (60) on which the APP is available and at least one bicycle electronic system (1) comprising said APP interface module (50); and an information system (70) for managing bicycles comprising at least one user assembly (68) and a server (64), the APP-compatible device (60) of said at least one user assembly (68) being configured to communicate with the server (64) over a telecommunication network, in particular Internet (66).