Bicycle Auto-Shifting Control for Start-Stop Cadence Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control systems face challenges in automatically shifting gears when stopping or starting, especially on inclines, and lack adaptability and customization options, leading to inefficient battery usage and unsynchronized wireless components.
Innovation Solution
A system control device with a processor and memory that determines automatic mode entry conditions, adjusts shifting based on cadence parameters, and modifies shifting parameters dynamically, allowing for customizable automatic shifting modes and efficient gear changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional automatic transmission systems are used to automatically shift gears throughout the entire range including dead stop, then the system provides full automatic shifting capability, but the system cannot establish what gear to actuate when the bicycle comes to a stop and consumes excessive battery power
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the automatic shifting operation based on bicycle speed conditions. Automatic shifting is enabled when the bicycle is moving above a threshold speed and disabled when the bicycle comes to a stop or moves below the threshold speed. This dynamic switching between automatic and manual control modes reduces battery power consumption while maintaining automatic shifting capability during active riding.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of automatic shifting based on speed conditions. When speed exceeds a threshold, automatic shifting is activated with specific cadence parameters; when speed drops below the threshold, automatic shifting is deactivated. This parameter change approach allows the system to adapt its behavior to different riding conditions, optimizing energy usage.
2Ease of operation
If multiple gears are provided to offer different torque and power transmission options, then the rider can maintain preferred pedaling cadence, but the rider must shift from one gear to another more often especially during large speed changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors bicycle speed and cadence parameters, comparing actual values against target ranges. When the bicycle is moving above threshold speed and cadence falls outside the acceptable range, the system automatically triggers gear shifts to bring cadence back within the target range. This feedback mechanism reduces unnecessary shifts during large speed changes by only activating automatic shifting when conditions are appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing full automatic shifting capability across all speed ranges including dead stop, the system implements partial automatic shifting that operates only within a specific speed range above a threshold. This partial action approach avoids the complexity and shifting frequency issues associated with full-range automatic shifting while still providing cadence maintenance benefits during active riding.
3Extent of automation
If existing bicycle control systems use electronic control for full automatic shifting, then the system can automatically shift gears, but the systems lack adaptability and customization options for riders
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows riders to customize automatic shifting parameters such as cadence range thresholds and speed thresholds according to their personal preferences and riding styles. Riders can adjust these parameters through the user interface, enabling the system to adapt to individual needs. This self-service approach gives riders control over their automatic shifting experience while maintaining the automation benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle control system may be configured to automatically control a bicycle, or components thereof. The bicycle control system may include a system control device configured to provide a simplified shifting system wherein large changes in speed associated with starting and stopping do not require the full attention of the automatic shifting system. The shifting system, or a system control device configured for controlling the shifting system, may be configured to determine when to enter an automatic shifting control mode, establish parameters for the automatic shifting of the automatic shifting control mode, and/or compare detected activities and values of the bicycle to the established parameters.