Automatic Bicycle Shifter with Torque Computation Algorithm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle shifting systems require manual effort from riders, failing to adapt to individual rider biometrics, endurance, strength, and environmental conditions, leading to inefficient pedaling efforts and comfort.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered shifting apparatus with a microprocessor-based control system, incorporating sensors for speed, acceleration, wind speed, and GPS, learns the rider's shifting behavior to automatically adjust the powertrain ratio, providing optimal pedaling rates and efforts based on real-time conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual shifting mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to constant manual intervention required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs shifting operations automatically without rider intervention by using sensors to detect riding conditions and a microprocessor to control the servo motor, enabling the system to service itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cable-pull shifting mechanism with an electrically powered servo motor system controlled by electronic sensors and a microprocessor, substituting mechanical operation with electromechanical control
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed criteria based shifting algorithm is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accommodate individual rider characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor riding conditions and rider behavior, feeding this information back to the microprocessor which adjusts shifting criteria dynamically to adapt to individual rider characteristics and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic shifting criteria that can be adjusted in real-time based on learned rider behavior patterns and current riding conditions, transitioning from static to adaptive control
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive sensing system is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensors and integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor-based control system serves multiple functions: it processes data from various sensors (speed, acceleration, wind, GPS), controls the servo motor for shifting, stores rider behavior data, and implements the shifting algorithm, consolidating multiple functions into a single universal controller
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptable bicycle shifter making use of a torque computation algorithm based on the classical law of conservation of energy and employing a global positioning system (GPS) altimeter for sensing a road inclination, an accelerometer for sensing a bicycle acceleration and a hot wire anemometer for sensing a wind load, serving to automatically attenuate or appreciate programmed shifting speeds in real time to maintain rider standard shifting torques thereof. Adaptable bicycle shifter is additionally provided with capability to sense, record, and interpret rider automatic shift override commands and further adjust automatic shift criteria to rider ongoing preference.