Bicycle Speed Sensor Field Generation Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for temporarily adjusting the speed of a pedelec, such as by adapting software or using complex electronic circuits, are cumbersome and not easily adaptable to continuous speed measurement values.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a field generation unit mounted on a rotating component of the bicycle to create a temporally and/or spatially varying electric and/or magnetic field, allowing for independent adjustment of speed determination without affecting the actual riding speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software adaptation or complex electronic circuits are used to temporarily adjust speed determination, then speed adjustment capability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of software adaptation or electronic circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a field generation unit as an intermediary component that generates a magnetic field to directly influence the pulse sensor's detection. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by replacing complex software adaptations or electronic circuit modifications with a straightforward magnetic field generation mechanism that naturally interacts with the existing pulse sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex software or electronic circuit mechanisms with a physical magnetic field generation approach. By using a field generation unit that produces a magnetic field detectable by the pulse sensor, the system achieves speed determination influence through physical field interaction rather than through complicated software logic or electronic signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If field generation unit is mounted on rotating component, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of speed determination adjustmentVSAvoidcomplexity of field generation unit installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The field generation unit is designed to be mounted on rotating components such as wheels, which are universal elements present in all bicycles. By leveraging the existing rotating infrastructure of the bicycle, the system achieves speed adjustment capability without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation while minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The field generation unit utilizes the natural rotation of bicycle components (wheels) to generate the necessary magnetic field variations. The rotating component itself serves dual purposes: its existing function for propulsion and its role as the mounting base for the field generation unit, allowing the system to leverage existing motion rather than requiring separate actuation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables flexible and reliable adjustment of speed determination, allowing for easier testing and maintenance of pedelec functions, while maintaining accuracy and independence from actual riding speed.

Implementation Method 1

Providing a temporally and/or spatially varying electric and/or magnetic field by a field generating unit at at least one detection position on a rigid component of the bicycle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

Detecting the electric and/or magnetic field varying at least in one spatial direction at the at least one detection position by means of a detection device on the bicycle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4033255B1Method for controlling the determination of a speed of a bicycle
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP4033255B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4033255B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for influencing the determination of the speed of a bicycle with at least two wheels, in particular a pedelec, wherein a temporally and/or spatially varying electric and/or magnetic field is provided by a field generation unit at at least one detection position on a rigid component of the bicycle for determining the bicycle's speed, wherein the field generation unit has at least one field generation element whose provided electric and/or magnetic field is modified in such a way that a speed deviating from the actual speed of the bicycle is determined. For example, a coil simulating a permanent magnet can be used as the field generation unit. However, the coil can be controlled so that it is only active on every second or nth revolution.This results in a measured speed that is only a corresponding fraction of the actual speed. Additional permanent magnets can also be temporarily simulated, allowing a higher speed than the actual speed to be simulated temporarily.