Bicycle Communication Adapter Power Line Signal Superposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication technologies for bicycle electrical systems cannot supply signals and electric power from an external management system to connected electric devices without a power supply, and they are unable to adapt to different voltage requirements.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle communication adapter with a signal converting section, voltage converting section, and superimposing section that converts signals and voltage to match power line communication standards, allowing for the supply of both signals and electric power to the electrical system, even if devices lack a power source, and includes an electric energy storage section for stable power supply and an over-current limiting section for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power line communication is used to connect electric devices in the bicycle electrical system, then communication between devices can be achieved, but the system cannot supply signals and electric power from an external management system to devices without a power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The communication adapter merges signal transmission and power supply functions into a single integrated device. The adapter combines the signal converting section, voltage converting section, and superimposing section to simultaneously handle communication signals and electric power delivery through the power line, enabling external management systems to control and power devices without separate power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication adapter serves multiple functions: it converts management system signals to power line communication standards, transforms voltage levels to match device requirements, superimposes signal and power, and provides over-current protection. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If voltage conversion is implemented to accommodate different voltage requirements, then the system can operate with varying voltage standards, but the device complexity increases due to additional converting sections
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converting section acts as an intermediary between the management system's voltage output and the bicycle electrical devices' voltage requirements. It transforms the voltage from the management system into the appropriate level needed by the devices, enabling compatibility between different voltage standards without requiring changes to either the management system or the devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If signal conversion to power line communication standard is performed, then external management systems can communicate with the bicycle electrical system, but the system loses the ability to supply power to devices without internal power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter combines signal conversion and power supply functions into a single integrated solution. The superimposing section merges the converted communication signal with the converted voltage from the power line, enabling simultaneous signal transmission and power delivery through the same medium, thus resolving the contradiction between communication capability and power supply capability.
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
Enables the management system to control and monitor bicycle electrical systems by providing necessary signals and power to electric devices, ensuring operation even without an internal power source and accommodating varying voltage requirements, thus enhancing system management and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The signal converting section converts a signal outputted from the management system into a signal compliant with a power line communication standard
Implementation Method 2
The voltage converting section converts a voltage supplied from the management system
Implementation Method 3
The superimposing section superimposes a signal converted by the signal converting section onto a voltage converted by the voltage converting section
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a communication adapter that can supply a signal and electric power from a management system to a bicycle electrical system in which a plurality of electric devices can be connected using power line communication. The communication adapter 40 can connect a bicycle electrical system 7 in which a plurality of electric devices can be connected using power line communication to a management system 50 configured to manage the bicycle electrical system. The communication adapter has a second controller 45 and a voltage step-up circuit 42. The second controller 45 converts a signal outputted from the management system 50 into a signal compliant with a power line communication standard. The voltage step-up circuit 42 raises a voltage supplied from the management system 50. The second controller 45 superimposes the converted signal onto the raised voltage produced by the voltage step-up circuit 42.