Bicycle Component Control Staggering Electrical Start Times

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bicycle electrical systems struggle to efficiently manage the operation of multiple electrical components when the power supply level falls below a certain threshold, often requiring simultaneous operation which can lead to power fluctuations and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle component control apparatus that includes a power supply sensor and a controller, which detects the power level and adjusts the starting times of electrical components to operate at different times when the power is below a prescribed level, while allowing simultaneous operation when the power level is sufficient, thereby optimizing power usage and reducing peak demand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple electrical bicycle components are operated simultaneously, then the system response time is reduced and operational efficiency is improved, but power fluctuations increase and power supply stability deteriorates when power level is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem response timeVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus dynamically adjusts the operation strategy of electrical components based on real-time power level detection. When power level is high, components operate simultaneously for fast response. When power level drops below threshold, the system transitions to sequential operation to stabilize power consumption, making the system adaptable to varying power conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter (starting time) of electrical components based on power level conditions. At high power levels, all components start at the same time. At low power levels, the controller staggers the starting times of components to reduce peak power demand and prevent power fluctuations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If electrical components are operated simultaneously, then operational efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and power supply duration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control apparatus implements periodic operation sequencing based on power level conditions. When power is sufficient, all components operate in parallel. When power is low, components are activated in a staggered sequence, creating a periodic pattern of power consumption that reduces peak demand and extends overall power supply duration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If electrical components are operated at different starting times, then power fluctuations are reduced and power supply stability is improved, but system response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidsystem response time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between simultaneous and sequential operation modes based on real-time power level detection. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve fast response when power is abundant while maintaining stability when power is limited, optimizing the trade-off between response time and power supply stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2505478B1Bicycle component control apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 SHIMANO INC
  • EP2505478B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2505478B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2505478B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bicycle component control apparatus is basically provided with a power supply sensor and a controller. The power supply sensor detects a power level of a power supply being supplied from the power supply to two electrical bicycle components. The controller operates the two electrical bicycle components in response to receiving at least one signal from at least one input member. The controller operates the two electrical bicycle components at different starting times while the power level is below a prescribed power level. The controller is configured to simultaneously operate the two electrical bicycle components while the power level is above the prescribed power level.