Bicycle Component Control via Multi-Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to set suitable electrical bicycle components, such as automatic transmission and suspension, using only a force sensor on the saddle bracket, as it is difficult to accurately control features like automatic shifting mode, suspension travel, lockout, and pedaling damping.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle component controlling apparatus that utilizes multiple sensors, including a rider sitting sensor, seat height sensor, and crank rotation sensor, to generate control commands for electrically controlled components like automatic transmission, suspension, and derailleur systems, allowing for improved control beyond what is possible with a single saddle force sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only a saddle force sensor is used to control bicycle components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the control precision and reliability of automatic transmission and suspension are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent sensor units, each detecting specific parameters (saddle force, seat height, crank rotation). This segmentation allows each sensor to focus on a particular aspect of rider state, improving overall measurement precision while keeping individual sensor complexity low
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to process signals from multiple different sensor types and use them for various control functions including automatic transmission control, suspension control, and derailleur control. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to achieve comprehensive control precision using a centralized processing unit
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to detect rider state, then the control reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor signals (saddle force, seat height, crank rotation) are merged and processed by a single controller. This combining approach allows the system to achieve high control reliability through multiple data sources while avoiding the complexity of multiple independent control units
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions by processing different sensor inputs for various control purposes (transmission, suspension, derailleur). This universal processing unit achieves reliable multi-parameter control without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If only saddle force information is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability to different riding conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rider state detection is segmented into multiple independent parameters (saddle force, seat height, crank rotation), allowing the system to adapt to different riding conditions by selectively using relevant parameters while maintaining simple sensor operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and processes multiple rider state parameters without requiring manual input or adjustment. The sensors and controller work autonomously to adapt control settings based on detected conditions, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle component controlling includes at least a first sensor and a controller. The first sensor detects a first operating condition, whether a rider is sitting on a bicycle seat. A second sensor is provided that detects a second operating condition. The sensors output signals indicative of the respective operating conditions. The controller is operatively connected to at least the first sensor and possibly the second sensor. The controller is configured to generate a component control command to control a bicycle component based on at least the first signal and the possibly the second signal. The bicycle component is a component other than an automatic transmission and a suspension when the second sensor is not provided. If the second sensor is provided, a suspension and automatic transmission is controlled, or components other than an automatic transmission and a suspension is controlled.