Bicycle Shifting Control Using Magnetic Position and Torque Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle gear shifting systems lack efficient and reliable mechanisms for continuous monitoring of gear actuator position, calibration, and adaptive shifting based on rider-specific preferences and cycling conditions.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle shifting device with a central controlling computer and a shifting control unit that utilizes magnetic field sensors and torque sensors to monitor gear actuator position, calibrate during bootup, and perform shifting based on primary and secondary instructions, including rider-specific settings and cycling conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bicycle shifting device uses a central controlling computer with multiple sensors and control units to continuously monitor gear actuator position and perform adaptive shifting, then shifting accuracy and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shifting device is divided into distinct functional modules: a central controlling computer for high-level decision making, shifting control units for executing gear changes, positioning determining assemblies for monitoring actuator location, and multiple sensors (magnetic field sensors, torque sensors) for detecting cycling conditions. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through modular design while managing complexity through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where positioning determining assemblies monitor gear actuator position in real-time, torque sensors detect pedaling force, and magnetic field sensors monitor wheel speed. This feedback is processed by the central controlling computer to dynamically adjust shifting decisions, ensuring reliable gear changes adapted to actual riding conditions while maintaining system coherence through centralized control.
2Measurement precision
If the shifting device continuously monitors gear actuator position using positioning determining assemblies and magnetic field sensors, then shifting accuracy is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning determining assemblies and sensors operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously, updating gear actuator position and cycling condition data at intervals sufficient for accurate gear selection while allowing the system to enter low-power states between measurements. This periodic operation maintains measurement precision for shift decisions while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field sensors and positioning determining assemblies are designed to detect gear position and cycling conditions using passive magnetic field detection without requiring active power consumption for signal generation. The system leverages the existing magnetic fields from the gear actuator and bicycle components, enabling accurate position monitoring with minimal energy input from the battery.
3Reliability
If the shifting device performs calibration during bootup and continuously adapts to rider-specific settings and cycling conditions, then shifting reliability is improved, but loss of time during initialization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs essential calibration of the positioning determining assemblies and sensor measurements during the bootup sequence before normal operation begins. This preliminary calibration establishes baseline parameters for gear actuator position and sensor accuracy, ensuring reliable shifting performance from the start of each riding session. The calibration is optimized to complete quickly by focusing only on critical parameters rather than comprehensive system checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The shifting device automatically performs self-calibration using its own sensors and actuators without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention. The system uses its positioning determining assemblies to detect reference positions and adjusts its internal parameters autonomously during bootup, reducing calibration time while maintaining accuracy through self-contained calibration routines.
4Reliability
If the shifting device prevents shifting during high loads by monitoring torque, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases due to delayed gear changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively identifies optimal shifting opportunities by monitoring torque sensor data and predicting when load will decrease, initiating gear change preparation in advance. When the torque sensor detects that pedaling load is within acceptable ranges, the system pre-positions the gear actuator and prepares the shifting mechanism, so that when the rider's pedaling naturally eases, the gear change can execute immediately without delay, maintaining both reliability and responsiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The shifting control system dynamically adjusts its responsiveness based on real-time torque conditions. During high-load periods, the system temporarily suppresses shifting requests to prevent mechanical stress, but simultaneously monitors for load reduction and accelerates shifting execution once conditions permit. This dynamic control strategy ensures reliable operation under stress while minimizing delays in gear changes when the system is able to respond.
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
Enhances shifting accuracy, reliability, and speed by continuously monitoring gear position, preventing shifting during high loads, and optimizing gear changes based on rider input and cycling conditions, resulting in a more comfortable and efficient riding experience.
Implementation Method 1
the positioning determining assembly comprises the at least one, preferably at least two, magnetic field sensor, preferably at least one Hall sensor or at least one 2D hall sensor, for performing magnetic field measurements
Implementation Method 2
The bicycle comprises a torque sensor for measuring a torque exerted on a bicycle drivetrain of the bicycle as providing a torque measurement signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a bicycle with a central controlling computer, including a bicycle shifting device for shifting of a bicycle gear, including a shifting control unit for receiving of shifting instructions from the central controlling computer or a further control unit, a power receiving module, such as including an electrical connector, at least one shifting motor, for providing a shifting motion for driving a shifting assembly for actuating of a gear actuator, the shifting assembly being configured to transfer the shifting motion from the shifting motor to the gear actuator, the gear actuator being configured to transfer the shifting motion to the bicycle gear, The shifting control unit, by means of communication with and controlling by the central controlling computer of the bicycle, is configured as a subsystem of the bicycle, and the shifting control unit shifts the bicycle gear on the basis of primary shifting instructions and/or secondary shifting instructions from the main control unit, the motor control unit, and/or a further control unit.