Bicycle Control Apparatus Rider Intent Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control apparatuses for electric assist bicycles do not effectively reflect the rider's intentions in switching the assist ratio, leading to suboptimal performance, as they rely on predetermined rules rather than real-time rider inputs or environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle control apparatus equipped with a memory device and control device that includes automatic and manual switching functions, which adjust the assist ratio based on a relationship between threshold values and reference values indicative of the traveling environment and state, such as road surface gradient, wind force, resistance, travel distance, load weight, and manual drive force, allowing for dynamic updates and reflections of the rider's preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the assist ratio is switched automatically based on predetermined rules, then the control is simplified and does not require real-time rider input, but the switching timing does not reflect the rider's intentions
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces feedback by detecting rider operations (manual switching actions) and using this information to update threshold values for automatic switching. The control device detects when the rider manually switches the assist ratio and uses this feedback to adjust future automatic switching thresholds, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to rider preferences
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by updating threshold values in advance based on detected rider operations. When the rider manually switches the assist ratio, the system proactively updates the threshold values for future automatic switching decisions, preparing the system to anticipate the rider's needs before the next switching event occurs
2Device complexity
If the assist ratio switching is based on fixed threshold values, then the control logic is simple, but the system cannot adapt to varying rider preferences or environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static threshold values to dynamic threshold values that change over time based on rider behavior. The threshold values are no longer fixed but are updated dynamically whenever the rider performs a manual switching operation, allowing the system to adapt its control characteristics in response to varying conditions and preferences
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically updating its own threshold values based on detected rider operations. The control device monitors rider behavior and autonomously adjusts the switching thresholds without requiring external reconfiguration or programming, enabling the system to self-optimize based on actual usage patterns
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual switching is required for every assist ratio change, then the system precisely reflects rider intent, but the riding experience becomes less convenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by implementing automatic switching only for certain conditions rather than requiring full manual control for all situations. The automatic switching function handles routine or predictable scenarios based on updated thresholds, while the rider retains manual override capability for situations requiring direct intervention, creating a balanced approach that combines automation with rider control
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle control apparatus is basically provided with a memory device and a control device. The control device is programmed with an automatic switching function and a manual switching function. The automatic switching function automatically switches an assist ratio, which is a ratio of a manual drive force to a drag force of an electric assist motor, based on a relationship between a threshold value that is stored and a reference value that is indicative of one of a bicycle traveling environment and a bicycle traveling state. The manual switching function switches the assist ratio based on a manual operation. The control device is further programmed to update the threshold value is updated based on the reference value when switching the assist ratio by the manual switching function.