Bicycle Drive Unit With Wire Operation for Component Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle drive systems require a motor to actuate bicycle components, limiting flexibility and convenience.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle drive unit with a motor and a wire operation device that can assist propulsion and operate bicycle components using a wire, allowing for optional attachment of the wire operation device for enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a motor is provided to actuate each bicycle component, then the component can be operated automatically, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic operation of bicycle componentVSAvoidcomplexity of drive system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical system with a wire-operated mechanical system. Instead of using a motor to actuate the bicycle component, a wire operation device manipulates a wire that mechanically connects to and operates the component, thereby eliminating the need for additional motors while maintaining operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wire operation device is designed to be attachable to the housing and can operate different bicycle components through the wire connection. This single device provides multi-functional operation capability, replacing what would otherwise require multiple separate motor systems for different components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the wire operation device is attached to the housing, then the wire can be operated conveniently, but foreign matter such as mud may accumulate on the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation of wireVSAvoidaccumulation of foreign matter

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wire operation device is nested within or attached to the housing structure, which provides a degree of protection while allowing operational access. The housing serves as a container that shields the wire operation device from direct exposure to external contaminants like mud, while still enabling the wire to be operated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the wire operation device is not attached to the housing, then foreign matter accumulation is reduced, but the wire operation becomes less stable and convenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccumulation of foreign matterVSAvoidoperation of wire

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wire operation device is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be attachable or detachable from the housing based on operational needs. This dynamic configuration enables the system to optimize between protection from foreign matter and ease of operation depending on the riding conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11059543B2Bicycle drive unit and bicycle drive system including bicycle drive unit

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 SHIMANO INC

AI summary

A bicycle drive unit includes a motor that assists propulsion of a bicycle and a wire operation device that operates a wire, which is connectable to a bicycle component.