Bicycle Controller Pairing Order for Multiple Identical Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control systems limit pairing to a single unique component of each type, preventing multiple identical components from being simultaneously functional, and require user interaction for setup and identification in mobile device applications.
Innovation Solution
A system with a pairing coordinator device that assigns dynamic device types to assignable controllers based on pairing order, allowing multiple identical components to communicate within a wireless network, and uses a mobile device application to easily identify and configure these components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single unique component of each type is paired in the wireless network, then device identification and control signal routing are simplified, but multiple identical components cannot function simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments identical controller devices by assigning each a unique pairing order identifier (first, second, third, etc.) even though they are the same device type. This segmentation allows the pairing coordinator to distinguish between multiple identical components and route control signals to the correct device based on the pairing order, enabling multiple identical components to function simultaneously without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pairing coordinator performs preliminary assignment of pairing order identifiers to each controller device during the pairing process. This preliminary action establishes a unique identity for each identical component before operational use, allowing the system to handle multiple identical devices without requiring complex real-time identification mechanisms during operation
2Ease of operation
If manual setup and identification is required for each component, then precise control and configuration is achieved, but user interaction time and setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pairing coordinator automatically performs device identification and pairing order assignment without requiring manual user input. The system self-services by listening for broadcast messages from controller devices, automatically assigning pairing order identifiers based on the sequence of connections, and configuring the wireless network parameters. This eliminates time-consuming manual setup steps while maintaining precise control over device identification and signal routing
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic device type assignment is implemented, then multiple identical components can communicate in the wireless network, but device identification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pairing coordinator acts as an intermediary that manages device type assignments. Instead of requiring controller devices to self-identify their types, the pairing coordinator assigns device types based on pairing order and broadcasts this information to all devices in the network. This intermediary approach simplifies device identification for individual components while enabling the system to handle multiple identical components through centralized management
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for a bicycle (100) includes a plurality of controller devices (120, 122). A type of controller device (120, 122) is the same for two or more controller devices (120, 122) of the plurality of controller devices (120, 122). The system includes a pairing coordinator device (124) configured to receive a respective device type identification from each controller device (120, 122), and identify the type of controller device (120, 122) for the two or more controller devices (120, 122) based on the received device type identifications for the two or more controller devices (120, 122). Based on the identification of the type of controller device (120, 122), the pairing coordinator device (124) is configured to update the device type identifications for the two or more controller devices (120, 122), respectively, such that the updated device type identifications are different than each other. The pairing coordinator device (124) is configured to pair only controller devices (120, 122) of the plurality of controller devices (120, 122) having different respective device type identifications with the pairing coordinator device (124).