Bicycle Component Pairing via Multi-Protocol Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bicycle components from different generations often have compatibility issues due to different communication protocols, making it difficult for newer generation electronic control devices to pair with older generation operation-enacting devices, even after firmware updates.
Innovation Solution
An electronic bicycle component with a processor that can switch between multiple communication protocols by broadcasting messages based on stored protocols until a compatible protocol is established, allowing it to pair with various operation-enacting devices automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a newer generation electronic control device uses a newer communication protocol, then communication speed and efficiency are improved, but compatibility with older generation devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control device is designed with the capability to support multiple communication protocols (first protocol and second protocol) simultaneously. The processor can select and switch between different protocols based on which one is supported by the paired device, making the control device universally compatible across different generations while maintaining the benefits of newer protocols when available
2Adaptability or versatility
If firmware is updated to load a compatible communication protocol, then compatibility with older devices is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic protocol selection where the processor automatically determines which communication protocol to use based on real-time compatibility requirements. This dynamic switching capability allows the device to adapt to different pairing scenarios without requiring complex manual configuration or multiple static firmware versions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device broadcasts multiple protocol messages, then compatibility with various devices is improved, but communication time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary protocol detection during the pairing process by broadcasting identification messages in both first and second protocols. This preliminary action allows the device to quickly determine protocol compatibility before establishing full communication, reducing overall pairing time compared to attempting single-protocol connection first
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic bicycle component includes a memory configured to store a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol, and a processor. The processor is configured, within a pairing session, to generate one or more first messages based on the first communication protocol, broadcast the one or more first messages, and identify whether a first response is received from another electronic bicycle component within a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period is after the broadcast of a first message of the one or more first messages. The response is a response to the broadcast one or more first messages. When, based on the identification, the response is not received within the predetermined time period, the processor is further configured to generate one or more second messages based on the second communication protocol, and broadcast the one or more second messages.