Bicycle Control System with Dual Input Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing an efficient system for quickly and easily changing the gear ratio of a human-powered vehicle transmission in response to rider input and the vehicle's state is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising an input device, an additional input device, and a controller that allows riders to select single or multiple shifting operations based on the vehicle's state, including inclination, cadence, and velocity, to adjust the gear ratio and adjustable components like the seatpost, using a derailleur with an actuator to move the chain guide to various shift positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a traditional single-input device is used for gear shifting, then the system structure is simple, but the shifting speed and efficiency are insufficient for quickly changing gear ratio in response to changing circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the input function into multiple input devices (first input device and second input device), each capable of receiving different types of rider inputs. This segmentation allows the system to process multiple shifting commands simultaneously or in sequence, thereby increasing shifting speed without requiring a completely complex new system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed to universally process inputs from either the first or second input device, interpreting both as valid gear shifting commands. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain simplicity while accommodating multiple input methods that can trigger shifting operations, thus improving response speed without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual gear shifting is used, then the system is simple and reliable, but it cannot automatically adapt to changing vehicle states and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that continuously monitor vehicle state (speed, acceleration, inclination) and feed this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine the appropriate gear ratio, enabling automatic adaptation to changing conditions while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture that builds upon traditional manual shifting systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple input devices are added to enable both single and multiple shifting operations, then the adaptability and control flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both the first and second input devices are designed with universal functionality to trigger gear shifting operations. The controller universally accepts inputs from either device and processes them according to the current vehicle state, providing flexible control options without requiring complex differentiation between input devices or input types.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a human-powered vehicle includes an input device, an additional input device, and a controller. The input device is configured to receive manual input from a rider. The additional input device is configured to receive manual input from the rider. The controller is configured to control a shifting device of the human-powered vehicle based on one of an output signal from the input device and an output signal from the additional input device. The controller is configured to output one of a first control signal for a single shifting operation and a second control signal for a multiple shifting operation in response to the manual input received by one of the input device and the additional input device. The controller is further configured to output one of a first control signal and a second control signal based on a state of the human-powered vehicle.