Bicycle Component Wireless Protocol Switching for Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human-powered vehicles with electric components face communication issues when different communication protocols are used, leading to compatibility problems and reduced usability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating wireless communicator circuitry and electronic controller circuitry that can switch between communication protocols, enabling seamless wireless connections and interactions among components with different communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the wireless communicator circuitry uses a fixed communication protocol, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different communication protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communicator circuitry is designed to dynamically switch between a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol based on which protocol the additional human-powered vehicle component supports. The electronic controller circuitry determines protocol compatibility and changes the communication protocol accordingly, transforming a static protocol system into a dynamic one that adapts to different communication environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the communication protocol parameter based on detected compatibility requirements. When the electronic controller circuitry receives a first signal indicating the additional component supports the first communication protocol, it changes the protocol from the second to the first, thereby adjusting the communication parameter to match the partner device's capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wireless communicator circuitry supports multiple communication protocols, then the adaptability to different components is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communicator circuitry is designed with multi-functionality to support both a first communication protocol and a second communication protocol. This universal design allows the same hardware circuitry to communicate with different types of human-powered vehicle components that may use different protocols, eliminating the need for separate hardware for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller circuitry automatically determines which communication protocol the additional component supports by receiving a first signal, and autonomously changes the communication protocol without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach simplifies the user experience while managing the complexity of multiple protocols internally.
3Ease of operation
If the communication protocol is changed dynamically, then the usability across different components is improved, but the reliability of communication may deteriorate due to protocol switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of protocol compatibility by receiving a first signal from the additional human-powered vehicle component before establishing communication. This preliminary action allows the electronic controller circuitry to determine which protocol to use in advance, avoiding unreliable protocol switching during active communication and ensuring stable connection from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the first signal received from the additional component to determine protocol compatibility and adjust the communication protocol accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the protocol selection is based on actual compatibility information, improving both usability and communication reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A human-powered vehicle component comprises wireless communicator circuitry and electronic controller circuitry. The electronic controller circuitry is configured to receive a first signal from the additional wireless communicator circuitry via the wireless communicator circuitry. The electronic controller circuitry is configured to change the communication protocol of the wireless communicator circuitry from a second communication protocol to a first communication protocol based on the first signal in a case where the first signal includes first information indicative of the first communication protocol. The electronic controller circuitry is configured to control the wireless communicator circuitry to maintain use of the second communication protocol in a case where the electronic controller circuitry does not receive, via the wireless communicator circuitry, the first signal including the first information indicative of the first communication protocol.