Bicycle Control Device Using Tire Pressure for Suspension Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-powered vehicle control devices do not effectively detect an inclined state and automatically adjust the suspension and adjustable seatpost to improve comfortability.
Innovation Solution
A human-powered vehicle control device equipped with an electronic controller that detects changes in tire pressure to determine the inclined state of the vehicle and automatically controls the suspension and adjustable seatpost to optimize comfort and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the suspension and adjustable seatpost are manually adjusted, then the rider can adapt to inclined states, but the rider cannot automatically respond to changing terrain conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control device automatically detects inclined state through tire pressure changes and self-adjusts the suspension and seatpost without requiring manual rider input, enabling the system to serve itself in responding to terrain changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical inclination sensors with a pressure detection mechanism that infers inclined state from tire pressure changes, simplifying the detection system while maintaining functionality
2Ease of operation
If the suspension is kept in unlocked state for comfort, then ride quality improves on downward slopes, but driving efficiency decreases on upward slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension dynamically switches between locked and unlocked states based on the detected inclined state, adapting its characteristics to match the current terrain condition for optimal performance
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes the suspension's operational parameters (locked/unlocked state) in response to varying terrain conditions detected through tire pressure changes
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat position is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the rider cannot optimize posture for different inclined states
Solution Approach 1:
The seatpost dynamically adjusts its length based on the detected inclined state, transforming from a static component to an adaptive element that responds to terrain changes
Data Source
AI summary
A human-powered vehicle control device is configured to automatically control a suspension and an adjustable seatpost to a suitable state. The human-powered vehicle control device includes an electronic controller configured to control at least one of the suspension and the adjustable seatpost mounted to the human-powered vehicle upon detection of an inclined state of the human-powered vehicle based on a change in pressure of at least one tire of the human-powered vehicle. The pressure of the at least one tire is detected by a pressure detector configured to detect pressure of the at least one tire of the human-powered vehicle.