Bicycle Shifting Control Prioritizing Rear Derailleur Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle shifting control systems do not effectively manage power supply levels, leading to inefficient gear shifting and potential battery discharge, as they lack a mechanism to prioritize the operation of one gear shifting device over another based on power availability.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle shifting control apparatus that includes a power supply sensor and a controller to detect power levels and stop the operation of the first gear shifting device when the power falls below a prescribed level, while allowing the second gear shifting device to continue operating, thereby conserving energy and extending the usable time for gear shifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the bicycle shifting control apparatus operates both first and second gear shifting devices when power is sufficient, then gear shifting functionality is complete, but power consumption increases and battery discharge occurs faster

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegear shifting functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its operation mode based on power supply status. When power is sufficient, both first and second gear shifting devices operate normally. When power drops below the first threshold, the system automatically switches to a power-saving mode where only the second gear shifting device operates, and when power drops below a second threshold, only essential functions operate. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between maintaining complete gear shifting functionality and reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes operational parameters based on power supply conditions. It monitors power levels and adjusts the operational state of gear shifting devices accordingly - transitioning from full operation to selective operation based on power thresholds. This parameter change approach allows the system to maintain versatility when needed while conserving energy when power is limited.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the bicycle shifting control apparatus continues operating the first gear shifting device when power is low, then gear shifting remains available, but battery discharge increases and usable time decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegear shifting availabilityVSAvoidusable time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by selectively operating only the second gear shifting device when power is low, rather than completely disabling gear shifting functionality. This partial operation maintains essential gear changing capability while significantly reducing power consumption, thereby extending the duration of battery operation and usable time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of energy

If the bicycle shifting control apparatus prioritizes power conservation by stopping the first gear shifting device, then energy is conserved, but gear shifting versatility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy conservationVSAvoidgear shifting versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gear shifting system is segmented into two independent subsystems: the first gear shifting device and the second gear shifting device. This segmentation allows the controller to independently control each subsystem based on power availability. When power is limited, the system can disable the first subsystem while maintaining the second subsystem, achieving energy conservation without completely sacrificing gear shifting versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution ensures that the bicycle shifting control apparatus optimizes gear shifting by prioritizing the operation of the rear gear shifting device over the front when power is low, conserving energy and preventing battery discharge, allowing riders to shift gears more efficiently and reducing the frequency of gear changes.

Implementation Method 1

a first power supply sensor (34) detecting a power level of the power supply (26)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentUS7874567B2Bicycle shifting control apparatus

Publication Date: 2011.01.25 SHIMANO INC

AI summary

A bicycle shifting control apparatus controls an electrical power supplied from a power supply to first and second gear shifting devices that are operated by first and second gear shift operating devices, respectively. The bicycle shifting control apparatus includes a first power supply sensor and a controller. The first power supply sensor detects a power level of the power supply. The controller receives a power level signal from the first power supply sensor. The controller performs a stopping operation of the first gear shifting device in response to the first power supply sensor detecting the power level of the power supply being below a first prescribed power level, but the controller transmits a second gear shift signal from the second gear shift operating device to the second gear shifting device to perform a second shifting operation of the second gear shifting device.