Bicycle Operating Device With Magnetic Return

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle operating devices lack a compact and ergonomic design that effectively combines information display and manual parameter selection, often resulting in bulky and inefficient interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A compact operating device featuring a display ring with a coaxially arranged operating ring that uses magnetic elements for automatic return and sensors for signal generation, allowing for integrated display and actuating functions in a narrow design, with the display ring and sensor integrated into a single component, and optionally including a rear view sensor for traffic awareness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If display unit and remote control unit are separated as in prior art, then each unit can be independently designed, but the overall device becomes bulky and less ergonomic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic designVSAvoidspatial arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the display unit and operating ring into a single integrated structure where the display ring serves both as the display interface and as the operating mechanism. The operating ring with magnetic elements is merged with the display ring, eliminating the need for a separate remote control unit while maintaining all necessary functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays information to the rider, provides tactile feedback through magnetic elements, and acts as the operating interface for controlling bicycle functions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If display and operating functions are integrated in a single ring component, then the design becomes compact and narrow, but the magnetic elements must maintain effectiveness over limited rotation angles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmagnetic element effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic elements are strategically positioned at specific locations on the operating ring and display ring to ensure optimal magnetic interaction within the limited rotation range. The first and second magnetic elements are placed to provide tactile feedback at key positions, while signal elements are positioned to trigger sensors at specific angular positions, ensuring reliable operation despite the constrained rotation angle of 10-45 degrees.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If operating ring rotation is limited to 10-45 degrees, then magnetic elements remain effective, but the range of operation is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic element effectivenessVSAvoidrotation range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical click-stop mechanisms with magnetic field interactions for providing tactile feedback and detecting operating positions. The magnetic elements create attractive and repulsive forces that guide the rider's input without requiring large rotation angles, enabling reliable detection of operating intent within the constrained 10-45 degree range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables a compact, ergonomic design that integrates display and manual actuation functions, allowing for efficient operation of gear shifting and motor assistance level changes while providing traffic awareness, enhancing user interaction and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the first magnetic or ferromagnetic element and the second magnetic or ferromagnetic element magnetically cooperated to bias the operating ring back to the first position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic cooperation: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the display ring further comprising at least one sensor, which receives a signal when in proximity of a signal providing element provided in or on the operating ring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11608135B2Operating device for a bicycle

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 MAHLE INT GMBH

AI summary

An operating device for a bicycle is disclosed. The operating device includes a display ring and a coaxially arranged operating ring arranged to rotate relative to the display ring. The display ring includes a display for displaying information and a first magnetic element that cooperates with a second magnetic element arranged on or in the operating ring. In a first position of the operating ring relative to the display ring, the first magnetic element is proximate to the second magnetic element, and if the operating ring is rotated away from the first position, the first magnetic element and the second element magnetically cooperate to bias the operating ring back to the first position. The display ring further includes a sensor that receives a signal when in proximity of a signal providing element.