Bicycle Gear Controller Speed-Adaptive Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle gear changing control systems do not automatically adjust the gear ratio after the bicycle has started pedaling, leading to inconvenience for riders who need to manually change gears, especially after the bicycle has come to a stop and then resumed.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle gear changing control apparatus with a controller that automatically adjusts the gear ratio based on the bicycle's traveling speed, switching to a larger gear ratio when the speed exceeds a predetermined threshold and reverting to a previously stored gear ratio when the speed drops below a certain level, with options for manual override and prohibition of automatic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the gear ratio is automatically changed to a smaller ratio when the bicycle stops, then the manual drive force for starting to pedal is reduced, but the gear ratio becomes inappropriate after pedaling has started
Solution Approach 1:
The gear ratio is made dynamically adjustable based on the bicycle's traveling state. The controller automatically switches between a first gear ratio (when stopped or moving slowly) and a second gear ratio (when moving at higher speed) to optimize both starting ease and riding efficiency throughout the journey.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the bicycle's traveling speed and automatically adjusts the gear ratio in response to speed changes. When the speed exceeds a first threshold, the system switches to the second gear ratio; when it drops below a second threshold, the system returns to the first gear ratio, creating a closed-loop feedback control system.
2Ease of operation
If the rider manually changes the gear ratio after starting to pedal, then the gear ratio becomes suitable for riding, but the gear changing operation becomes bothersome
Solution Approach 1:
The gear changing system operates autonomously without requiring rider intervention. The controller automatically selects and switches between gear ratios based on detected traveling speed, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for manual gear changing operations by the rider.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical gear changing operation is replaced with an automated electronic control system. The controller uses electronic signals to actuate the gear shifting mechanism, substituting the rider's manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system that responds to speed sensor input.
3Extent of automation
If the gear ratio is automatically adjusted based on speed thresholds, then the need for manual intervention is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic gear changing function is segmented into distinct operational modes corresponding to different traveling states. The controller is programmed with specific speed thresholds (first and second thresholds) that define clear boundaries between gear ratio selections, dividing the continuous control problem into discrete, manageable decision points.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle gear changing control apparatus includes a controller that is programmed to control a gear changing state of a bicycle transmission according to an operation of a gear changing operating device upon determining a bicycle traveling speed is greater than a first speed. The controller controls the transmission automatically to be in a first prescribed gear changing state upon determining the bicycle traveling speed becomes less than or equal to the first speed and upon determining a gear ratio of a current gear changing state of the transmission is larger than a preset gear ratio of the first prescribed gear changing state. The controller controls the transmission automatically, after controlling the transmission to be in the first prescribed gear changing state, to a larger gear ratio than the gear ratio of the first prescribed gear changing state, upon determining the bicycle traveling speed becomes greater than a second speed.