Bicycle Suspension Control via Component Motion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle control systems fail to effectively change the operation state of the suspension system in response to the movement and rotation of bicycle components, leading to delayed adjustment and reduced usability.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle control device with an electronic controller that detects movement and rotation of various bicycle components, such as the input unit, transmission mechanism, front wheel, and rear wheel, to change the suspension operation state proactively, using sensors like rotation sensors, pressure sensors, and chain movement sensors, ensuring timely adjustment as the rider pedals or changes gear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the suspension operation state is changed after the rear wheel starts rotating, then the control timing is delayed, but the system structure remains simple

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension control responsivenessVSAvoidcontrol response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device determines the rear wheel rotation state before actually changing the suspension operation state. By detecting whether the rear wheel is in a non-rotating state (including backward rotation) and using this determination as a prerequisite for suspension control, the system performs preliminary assessment of the driving state, enabling earlier suspension adjustment before the wheel fully engages with the drive train.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple sensors are added to detect component movement and rotation, then the suspension adjustment timing is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension adjustment speedVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device uses a unified detection approach where a single sensor can detect movement and rotation states of multiple bicycle components (input unit, transmission mechanism, front wheel, rear wheel). This multi-functional detection capability allows the system to monitor various parts through one sensor mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring for timely suspension adjustment.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11130545B2Bicycle control device and bicycle suspension system including bicycle control device
Publication Date: 2021.09.28 SHIMANO INC
  • US11130545B2 patent drawing
  • US11130545B2 patent drawing
  • US11130545B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bicycle control device is provided for a bicycle that includes a front wheel, a drive train and a suspension. The drive train includes an input unit to which driving force is input, a rear wheel to which the driving force is transmitted, and a transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force that is input to input unit to the rear wheel. The bicycle control device includes an electronic controller that changes an operation state of the suspension in accordance with movement of at least one of the input unit, the transmission mechanism, the front wheel and the rear wheel in a state in which the rear wheel is not rotated by the driving force that is input to the input unit.