Bicycle Transmission Axle Connection for Wireless Gear Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle transmission systems face challenges with electronically actuated actuators due to power and signal supply constraints, particularly when space and weight are limited, leading to potential malfunctions and cumbersome power and signal management.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle transmission system with a detachable electric connection between an electric actuator and a control element, utilizing a wireless receiver on a thru-axle and electrical contacts on the wheel axle, allowing for a familiar shifting experience while reducing the need for robust power and signal supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electronically actuated actuators are used in the transmission system, then gear shifting can be automated and controlled, but the system becomes cumbersome due to robust power and signal supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the actuation control into two independent parts: a wireless control unit for signal input and a separate actuator unit for mechanical action. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex power and signal wiring between components, reducing system complexity while maintaining automated shifting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable-based actuation with an electronically actuated actuator that responds to wireless signals. This substitution enables automated gear shifting without requiring physical connections for power and control signals, thereby reducing the complexity of the power and signal supply system.
2Volume of moving object
If electronically actuated actuators are used with limited space and weight, then the system can be more compact, but power and signal supply becomes extremely difficult and prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power and signal supply requirements from the actuator unit itself by using a wireless communication system. The control unit and actuator unit communicate without physical connections, eliminating the need for power and signal wires that would be difficult to implement in space-constrained applications and prone to malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the control unit and actuator unit, transmitting control signals without requiring direct physical contact or power connections. This intermediary approach enables reliable actuation in compact spaces where traditional wired connections would be impractical or unreliable.
3Ease of operation
If a detachable electric connection is implemented, then wheel exchanges become easier and pairing is simplified, but the system requires additional wireless communication components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical electrical connections with a wireless communication system. This substitution allows the actuator unit to be detached and reattached without worrying about electrical connections, significantly easing wheel exchanges while the wireless communication handles all signal transmission needs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a reliable and efficient actuation mechanism that maintains a familiar shifting feel for riders, reduces the need for frequent battery replacements, and simplifies pairing procedures during wheel exchanges.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless receiver included in or attached to the thru-axle for wirelessly receiving a signal from the control element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a bicycle including a frame with a fork, the fork having dropouts between which a wheel axle is mounted. The wheel axle includes a sensor and/or an electric component arranged to be connected to a control element. A detachable electric connection is provided between the sensor and/or electric component and the control element. The detachable electric connection is positioned between the wheel axle and the thru-axle.