Bicycle CVT Auto-Configuration Using Image Analysis and CAN
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual configuration and calibration of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) in bicycles can be prone to errors and frustration, especially for users unfamiliar with the components and their specifications.
Innovation Solution
An auto-configuration system that uses a controller area network (CAN) to communicate between a system controller, sensors, and a CVT controller, allowing for automatic determination of physical and operational configurations of a bicycle through image analysis and adaptive algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual configuration and calibration of CVT components is performed, then users can set up the transmission system, but errors and frustration occur especially for users unfamiliar with components
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic configuration and calibration of CVT components using image capture and processing, eliminating the need for manual user input. The processor automatically identifies component specifications from images, reducing both user effort and configuration errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection and configuration with an automated optical system. A camera captures images of CVT components, and a processor analyzes these images to automatically determine component specifications, substituting human visual inspection and manual entry with automated image processing.
2Measurement precision
If automatic configuration system with image analysis is implemented, then configuration accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the user and the CVT components. Instead of directly interacting with complex configuration parameters, the user simply captures images, and the processor acts as an intermediary to extract component specifications and configure the system automatically.
3Productivity
If calibration is performed on an ad hoc basis when manually initiated, then users can adjust the system, but time is lost and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs calibration in advance by capturing images of CVT components during initial setup or maintenance. The processor analyzes these images to pre-determine the correct configuration parameters, so that when the system needs to be calibrated, the correct settings are already available, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual calibration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A continuously variable transmission on a bicycle may be automatically configured with little or no assistance from a user. Optical scanning devices, RFIDs, and other information capturing technology can communicate with a controller. The controller may then perform a portion or all of a configuration process. In operation, a controller may determine that calibration is needed. A calibration process may be initiated and performed with little or no user interaction. A calibration process may account for a load, a power source, or an environment.