Automatic Bicycle Shifter with Sensor-Based Gear Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle shifting systems fail to adaptively manage powertrain ratios based on rider biometrics, endurance, and environmental conditions, leading to inefficient pedaling efforts and speeds, particularly under varying road inclinations and wind loads.

Innovation Solution

An electrically powered shifting apparatus with a microprocessor-based control system, incorporating sensors like GPS, accelerometers, and anemometers, learns the rider's shifting behavior to automatically adjust the powertrain ratio, ensuring optimal pedaling rates and efforts through a user-friendly interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual shifting mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to rider biometrics and environmental conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to rider biometricsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic shifting without requiring manual operation by the rider. The microprocessor-based control system monitors rider biometrics, environmental conditions, and cycling parameters to autonomously determine optimal gear shifts, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention while adapting to individual rider characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable-pull shifting mechanisms with an electrically actuated system. A motorized actuator connected to the derailleur replaces the manual cable tensioning system, enabling precise, automated gear changes based on sensor data and control algorithms that consider rider biometrics and environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If automatic shifting system with multiple sensors is implemented, then adaptability to environmental conditions improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to environmental conditionsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microprocessor-based control system serves multiple functions: it processes data from various sensors (accelerometer, anemometer, GPS), monitors rider biometrics, calculates optimal gear ratios, controls the motorized actuator, and adapts to different riding conditions. This multi-functional integration allows the system to handle diverse environmental factors through a single unified control platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors multiple parameters including wind speed via anemometer, acceleration via accelerometer, location via GPS, and rider biometrics, then uses this feedback to dynamically adjust gear selection. The control system processes real-time data from these sensors to optimize shifting decisions, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If servo motor based actuation is used, then ease of operation improves, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiduse of energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized actuator operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when gear shifts are required based on sensor input and control logic. The system monitors cycling conditions and triggers actuation only when optimal shift points are detected, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation through automated timing of shifting actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

The system provides adaptive and efficient shifting, reducing rider fatigue by automatically adjusting to road conditions and personal metrics, maintaining consistent pedaling effort across different terrains and wind conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a hot wire anemometer for measuring wind speed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHot wire anemometer effect: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

an accelerometer for measuring acceleration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer sensing: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11479323B2Automatic bicycle shifter and shifting cable actuator

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 HAMED HAZEM NIHAD

AI summary

An automatic bicycle shifter making use of a sheathed cable actuator utilizing a pulley arrangement to energize actuation cable thereof with high adaptability to single and double cable arrangement devices and provided with a gearbox employing a worm gearset for positive retention of actuated position and an encoder for accurate and programmable operation.