Bicycle Electrical Control Device Stacked PCB Antenna
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hand-actuated control devices for bicycles, such as shifters and brake levers, often have bulky components that are not easily repositioned or adapted to different handlebar orientations, limiting their versatility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electrical control device with a stacked configuration of a printed circuit board (PCB), connectors, and a removable battery, which includes two antennas for improved communication performance and reduced size, allowing for flexible attachment to bicycles and enhanced antenna performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional bulky mechanisms are used in control devices, then mechanical strength and durability are improved, but the device size increases and adaptability to different handlebar orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkages, cables, and levers with an electrical control system comprising a control unit, display unit, and wireless communication module. This substitution eliminates bulky mechanical components while maintaining control functionality, enabling the device to be compact and adaptable to various handlebar configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device integrates multiple functions including display, control input, wireless communication, and power management into a single multi-functional unit. This universal design allows the device to perform various operations (gear shifting, brake control, data display) without requiring separate mechanical mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall size and improving adaptability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional mechanical components are used, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and ease of repositioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical transmission systems with electronic control circuits and wireless communication modules. The electrical components are mounted on a compact printed circuit board, significantly reducing the number of moving parts and mechanical assemblies required, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining functional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional mechanical linkages to two-dimensional circuit board mounting, organizing components in a planar layout. This dimensional change allows for compact integration of multiple functions while reducing structural complexity and facilitating easier repositioning and installation on different bicycle configurations.
3Reliability
If multiple antennas are included for improved communication, then communication reliability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antenna elements into a single integrated antenna assembly mounted on the control device housing. The multiple antennas are closely spaced and co-located, allowing them to share the same mounting space and circuit board real estate, thereby maintaining communication reliability through diversity while minimizing the additional volume required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the multiple antenna elements within the existing device housing structure, utilizing the available internal space efficiently. The antennas are positioned in a compact arrangement where one antenna can be partially positioned within or adjacent to the structure formed by other components, reducing the overall volume increment while maintaining multiple communication channels.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical control device for a bicycle includes a housing and an assembly supported within the housing. The assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB includes a substrate and circuitry embedded within, attached to, or embedded within and attached to the substrate. The electrical control device also includes a communication device electrically connected to the circuitry and supported by the substrate. The communication device includes an antenna. The electrical control device includes a power source supported within the housing. The power source is electrically connected to the circuitry. The substrate is disposed between the power source and the antenna.