Bicycle Shifting System with Hybrid Mechanical-Electric Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing bicycle shifting systems require a significant operating force when both shifting devices are mechanically operated for synchro-shifting, which can be costly to address with two electrically operated devices.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle shifting system is designed with one mechanically operated shifting device and one electrically operated shifting device, where a controller manages the operation of both devices according to predetermined upshifting and downshifting routes, reducing the operating force required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If both shifting devices are mechanically operated for synchro-shifting, then gear shifting capability is maintained, but operating force becomes quite large
Solution Approach 1:
The shifting system is divided into two independent shifting devices: a front derailleur operated by an operating cable and a rear derailleur operated by a shift operating device. This segmentation allows each device to be operated separately, reducing the force required compared to simultaneous mechanical operation of both devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The front derailleur is operated mechanically through the operating cable, while the rear derailleur is operated electrically through a motor driven by the shift operating device. This partial replacement of mechanical operation with electrical operation reduces the overall operating force required.
2Ease of operation
If two electrically operated shifting devices are used, then operating force is reduced, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operational qualities to different parts of the shifting system: the front derailleur uses mechanical operation through an operating cable, while the rear derailleur uses electrical operation through a motor. This localized application of electrical operation reduces cost while still achieving the benefit of reduced operating force.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of replacing both mechanical shifting devices with electrical ones, the system replaces only the rear derailleur operation with an electrical motor, while maintaining mechanical operation for the front derailleur. This partial substitution achieves cost reduction while still improving ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanically operated shifting devices are used, then cost is reduced, but operating force becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different operational qualities to different parts of the shifting system: the front derailleur uses mechanical operation through an operating cable, while the rear derailleur uses electrical operation through a motor. This localized application of electrical operation reduces the overall operating force while maintaining cost effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle shifting system is basically provided with a first shifting device, a second shifting device and a controller. One of the first shifting device and the second shifting device is mechanically operated, while the other of the first shifting device and the second shifting device is electrically operated. The controller is configured to operate at least one of the first shifting device and the second shifting device in accordance with at least one of a predetermined upshifting route and a predetermined downshifting route.