Bicycle Frame Tap Sensing for Switch-Free Component Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycles require manually operated devices attached to the handlebar for controlling electrically controlled components, which are cumbersome and increase component costs.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle frame equipped with a control unit containing an accelerometer and a tap recognition algorithm, allowing the frame itself to serve as an input device for controlling electric components through differentiated tap actions on its tubular sections and handlebar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manually operated switch is mounted on the handlebar for controlling electrically controlled bicycle components, then the bicycle can control electric components, but the device complexity and component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control function with the bicycle frame itself by integrating an accelerometer directly into the frame structure. The frame serves dual purposes: structural support and control input detection, eliminating the need for separate handlebar-mounted switches and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bicycle frame is given multiple functions: it maintains its primary structural role while simultaneously serving as the control input device through the integrated accelerometer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated control components, reducing component costs and simplifying the system.
2Ease of operation
If a separate input device with cables is connected to the control unit, then the control unit can receive control signals, but the device complexity and component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control input functionality from separate physical components and integrates it directly into the bicycle frame through the accelerometer. This eliminates the need for external input devices, cables, and associated mounting hardware, significantly reducing component quantity and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bicycle frame serves itself by providing both structural support and control input detection through the integrated accelerometer. The frame's own structural integrity and positioning enable it to function as the control input device, eliminating the need for separate service components.
3Ease of operation
If a manual switch is attached to the handlebar, then the rider can control electric components, but the rider must locate and operate the switch which may require looking away from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer acts as an intermediary that detects control inputs through tap gestures on the frame. This intermediary enables control without requiring the rider to manually locate and operate a switch, allowing operation through natural tapping motions that can be performed while maintaining road awareness.
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
Eliminates the need for separate input devices, reduces component costs, and allows riders to control electric components without looking away from the road by tapping the frame, enhancing user convenience and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one accelerometer is arranged within the control unit housing and arranged to sense an acceleration of the tubular section containing the control unit in the area of the control unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bicycle frame (2), and a method for controlling or operating an electrically controlled bicycle component. The frame (2) comprises a plurality of tubular sections, a control unit (6) arranged at least partly within one of the tubular sections, wherein the control unit (6) comprises a housing (7), which is rigidly attached to the tubular section, wherein at least one accelerometer (8) is arranged within the control unit housing (7) and arranged to sense an acceleration of the tubular section (3, 4, 5) containing the control unit (6) in the area of the control unit (6), and further comprising a memory (9) storing a tap recognition algorithm and a processor (10) for analyzing an output signal of the at least one accelerometer (8) using the tap recognition algorithm to determine a tap action from a selection of predetermined tap actions..