Bicycle Electronic Controller with Programmable Operation Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices for bicycles lack usability improvements, as they require consistent operation methods to actuate shifting devices, leading to inefficiencies and user frustration.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a wireless transmitter and operation device that includes a base, brake lever, and multiple operation portions, allowing for customizable operation signals to control various bicycle components such as shifting devices, brakes, seatposts, and suspension systems, enhancing usability through programmable actuation commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the same operation is always performed with the operation device to actuate the shifting device, then the shifting device can be actuated reliably, but the usability is reduced due to lack of flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The operation device enables dynamic reconfiguration of control functions through programmable operation portions. Each operation portion can be assigned different actuation commands through programming, allowing the system to adapt to different riding conditions and user preferences while maintaining reliable actuation through consistent hardware interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing different operation commands to be programmed for each operation portion. The electronic controller stores multiple actuation commands and selects appropriate ones based on programming, enabling the same physical operation portion to trigger different functions (e.g., shifting, braking, lighting) depending on the programmed configuration.
2Ease of operation
If multiple operation portions are arranged on the base adjacent to the brake lever, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation device base is designed as a universal control hub that integrates multiple operation portions for different bicycle functions. The same base structure accommodates various operation portions (buttons, levers, switches) that can control shifting, braking, lighting, and other functions, reducing the need for separate control devices while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated operation device base. By combining multiple operation portions for different bicycle components into one unified base that attaches to the handlebar, the design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices, improving accessibility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Device complexity
If the operation device is used only to actuate the shifting device, then the device design remains simple, but the versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The operation device is designed with universal multi-functionality, where the same hardware platform can control multiple bicycle components including shifting devices, brake devices, adjustable seatposts, suspension systems, and drive units. This is achieved through a programmable electronic controller that can assign different actuation commands to each operation portion based on user needs and riding conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprises a wireless transmitter and an operation device. The operation device comprises a base, a brake lever, operation portions and an electronic controller. The base is to be removably attached to a handlebar. The operation portions includes first, second and third operation portions. The first operation portion is arranged on the base. The second and third operation portions are arranged adjacent to the brake lever and are disposed between the brake lever and the handlebar. At least one of the operation portions includes a lever. At least one of the operation portions includes a button. The electronic controller is configured to transmit an operation signal to the wireless transmitter upon operation of any of the operation portions to control at least one bicycle component that is any one of a shifting device, a brake device, an adjustable seatpost, a suspension and a drive unit.