Bicycle Control System Dynamic Threshold Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bicycle control systems use constant threshold values for crank rotational frequency, which do not account for individual rider differences, leading to suboptimal usability and control of bicycle components like electric transmissions.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle control system that dynamically adjusts threshold values based on the operating state, including the number of times and duration of operations of gear shift and assist units, to tailor the control of electric transmissions and assist motors to the rider's preferences and conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a constant threshold value is used for controlling bicycle components, then the control system is simple and reliable, but the system cannot adapt to different riders' preferences and running states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different ridersVSAvoidcomplexity of threshold adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The threshold value is made dynamic by automatically adjusting it based on the operating unit's operation state. The controller changes the threshold value according to whether the operating unit has been operated recently, allowing the system to adapt to different riders' preferences and running states without requiring manual input or complex configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of the threshold value based on its own operation history. The controller monitors whether the operating unit has been operated within a predetermined period and automatically modifies the threshold accordingly, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex user input mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the threshold value is adjusted frequently based on operating state, then the system becomes more adaptable to rider preferences, but the control reliability may be compromised due to frequent changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersonalization for each riderVSAvoidstability of control parameter
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The threshold value is adjusted periodically based on the operating unit's operation history. The controller checks whether the operating unit has been operated within a predetermined period and only then modifies the threshold. This periodic adjustment mechanism ensures that the threshold changes only when necessary, maintaining control stability while still enabling adaptation to different riders' preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS10106223B2Bicycle control system
Publication Date: 2018.10.23 SHIMANO INC
  • US10106223B2 patent drawing
  • US10106223B2 patent drawing
  • US10106223B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bicycle control system is provided that is configured to control a bicycle component using a threshold value that is appropriate for the rider. The bicycle control system includes a controller for controlling a bicycle component based on a threshold value and a parameter related to a running state of a bicycle. The controller changes the threshold value when an operating unit is operated, and the change amount of the threshold value when the operating unit is operated is determined based on an operating state of the operating unit.