Bicycle Controller Pairing With Dynamic Device Type Assignment

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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 functioning simultaneously, and lack clear identification of interchangeable components during setup.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows multiple assignable controllers to be differentiated and paired through a pairing coordinator, assigning dynamic device types based on order and enabling reconfiguration via a mobile device application, with clear identification of interchangeable components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple identical controller devices are paired to the wireless network, then the system can support multiple interchangeable components functioning simultaneously, but the device pairing mechanism becomes more complex requiring dynamic device type assignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to support multiple identical componentsVSAvoidpairing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically assigns device types to controller devices based on pairing order rather than using fixed device types. When a controller device is paired, the pairing coordinator device assigns it a device type from available types that have not been previously assigned, creating a dynamic adaptation mechanism that resolves the contradiction between supporting multiple identical components and maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the device type parameter of controller devices dynamically during the pairing process. Instead of requiring identical components to have fixed unique identifiers, the system assigns different device type parameters (e.g., first assignable controller device type, second assignable controller device type) based on pairing sequence, enabling multiple identical physical components to coexist in the network

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If device type identifications are updated dynamically during pairing, then clear identification of interchangeable components is achieved, but the pairing process requires additional coordination steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent identification clarityVSAvoidpairing process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pairing coordinator device maintains a data structure that tracks which device types have been assigned before the pairing process begins. This preliminary preparation of assignment tracking information allows the system to quickly determine available device types during pairing without requiring complex real-time negotiations, reducing the time penalty while maintaining clear identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pairing coordinator device acts as an intermediary that manages the device type assignment process. It receives pairing requests from controller devices, consults its tracking data structure to determine available device types, assigns appropriate types, and communicates the assignments back. This intermediary role streamlines the process by centralizing the coordination logic, preventing the need for complex peer-to-peer negotiation between multiple identical controllers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If only controller devices with different device type identifications are paired, then wireless network communication is established without conflicts, but the system limits the number of functional controller devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of functional controllers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements multi-functionality by allowing multiple controller devices with identical physical characteristics and capabilities to operate simultaneously in the network. Through dynamic device type assignment, each controller device can perform the same control functions while being distinguished by its assigned device type, enabling universal functionality across multiple instances without communication conflicts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12459594B2Assignable pairing order

Publication Date: 2025.11.04 SRAM LLC

AI summary

A system for a bicycle includes a plurality of controller devices. A type of controller device is the same for two or more controller devices of the plurality of controller devices. The system includes a pairing coordinator device configured to receive a respective device type identification from each controller device, and identify the type of controller device for the two or more controller devices based on the received device type identifications for the two or more controller devices. Based on the identification of the type of controller device, the pairing coordinator device is configured to update the device type identifications for the two or more controller devices, respectively, such that the updated device type identifications are different than each other. The pairing coordinator device is configured to pair only controller devices of the plurality of controller devices having different respective device type identifications with the pairing coordinator device.