Bicycle Electronic System Remote Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bicycle electronic systems continue to consume power when idle for extended periods, leading to battery drain, especially with an increasing number of connected units, as there is no effective mechanism to switch them off remotely and reliably.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle electronic system with a remote switching-off/(re)switching-on device and method, featuring a first user-activated controller for disconnecting the battery unit from the power supply and communication bus, utilizing a two-terminal electrical connector or bistable switch, and a second controller with MOSFET technology to manage power and communication connections, allowing users to easily switch the system on and off without physical access to the battery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the bicycle electronic system remains connected and operational during long periods of inactivity, then the system is ready for immediate use, but the battery unit drains over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem readinessVSAvoidbattery drain

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs a preliminary switching-off action after a predetermined period of inactivity is detected. The control unit monitors the operational state and automatically disconnects power to the operating units when idle conditions persist, preventing battery drain while maintaining readiness for immediate reactivation when the cyclist returns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If a remote switching-off device is implemented, then battery drain is prevented during inactivity, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery drain preventionVSAvoidswitching mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system serves itself by automatically detecting its own idle state and triggering the switching-off sequence without user intervention. The control unit monitors system activity, determines when the bicycle is in an idle state for a predetermined period, and automatically activates the switching-off device to disconnect power, eliminating the need for complex manual switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces potential mechanical switching mechanisms with an electronic control system. The control unit uses electronic signals to activate the switching-off device, which disconnects the battery unit from the power supply and communication bus through electronic control rather than mechanical intervention, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the system switches off automatically after detecting inactivity, then battery life is extended, but the risk of accidental switching off increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidaccidental switching risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of switching off immediately upon detecting inactivity, the system inverts the approach by requiring a confirmed idle state over a predetermined period. The control unit monitors for continuous idle conditions before activating the switching-off sequence, ensuring that temporary pauses in usage do not trigger unintended power disconnection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a time-based buffer or cushioning period before executing the switching-off action. By requiring the idle state to persist for a predetermined duration, the system creates a protective margin that prevents accidental switching off during brief pauses in usage, while still achieving battery conservation during genuine extended inactivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Prevents battery drain during long periods of inactivity by effectively switching off the system, ensuring high reliability and user convenience through remote operation, minimizing accidental activations, and maintaining system integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a controlled switch (13) and a first driver (14) and a second driver (15) to control a closed condition and an open condition of the controlled switch (13), respectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMOSFET:

Data Source

PatentUS10202168B2Bicycle electronic system

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 CAMPAGNOLO SRL

AI summary

A bicycle electronic system comprising a battery unit, at least one operating unit and a power supply and communication bus, each of said units being connected to said bus is provided. The system comprises first means or controller for switching-off/(re)switching-on able to be activated/deactivated by a user and second means or controller for switching-off/(re)switching-on suitable for disconnecting/connecting said battery unit from/to said power supply and communication bus in response to the activation/deactivation of said first means or controller for switching-off/(re)switching-on. A battery unit and a method for switching-off/(re)switching-on a bicycle electronic system are also described.