Integrated Suspension Control Unit for Bicycle EC Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronically controlled (EC) suspension systems for bicycles face challenges due to limited space for subcomponents, cumbersome wired connections, and susceptibility to wear and tear from impact.
Innovation Solution
A control arrangement that integrates multiple subcomponents of an EC-suspension system into a single Suspension Control Unit (SCU), which can be compactly arranged within the bicycle's frame or fork, reducing the need for multiple connections and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple subcomponents are integrated into a single SCU, then device complexity is reduced and space efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple subcomponents (control unit, battery, wireless transceiver, sensors, actuators) into a single Suspension Control Unit (SCU). This merging reduces the overall number of separate components on the bicycle, simplifies the system architecture, and eliminates the need for multiple cable connections while maintaining full functionality of the EC-suspension system.
Solution Approach 2:
The SCU is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs diverse functions: controlling suspension damping, powering wireless communication, sensing ride conditions, and actuating valves. By consolidating these multiple functions into one unit, the system reduces component count while achieving the same overall performance as distributed subcomponents.
2Reliability
If wired connections are used to connect subcomponents, then reliability of connection is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to cable management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the cable and connector infrastructure from the EC-suspension system by implementing wireless communication throughout. This eliminates the physical cables that would otherwise connect the control unit, sensors, and actuators, thereby removing the complexity of cable routing and connection management while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based connection system with wireless communication technology. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connectors and cables, reducing mechanical wear and tear on connection points while simplifying the overall system architecture and improving ease of installation and maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If wireless transceivers are added to each subcomponent, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wireless transceiver functionality with the control unit and other subcomponents into an integrated SCU. This merging eliminates the need for separate wireless transceivers in multiple locations, reducing the overall number of electronic components while maintaining wireless communication capabilities for control and sensing functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more subcomponents are added to EC-suspension system, then functionality is improved, but space availability and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional subcomponents into a single compact SCU that houses the control unit, battery, wireless transceiver, sensors, and actuators. This consolidation provides full EC-suspension functionality while occupying minimal space on the bicycle, as the integrated unit can be mounted in a single location rather than distributing components throughout the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The SCU employs a nested structure where smaller components are housed within the main control unit housing. The battery, electronic circuits, and mechanical actuators are nested within the compact SCU housing, maximizing space utilization while maintaining all necessary functions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a control arrangement (100) for controlling an electronically controlled, EC, suspension system (201) of a bicycle (200), the EC-suspension system (201) comprising front suspension (210) and rear suspension (220), the control arrangement (100) comprising: a suspension control unit, SCU (110), for controlling one or more components of the EC-suspension system (201); a first connection means (130), wherein The SCU (110) is adapted to be arranged in an insert position, in which insert position the SCU (110) is at least partially arranged in an insert space provided on the bicycle (200), in which insert position the SCU (110) is adapted to control: a front EC-valve (243) of the EC-suspension system (201), and a rear EC-valve (244) of the EC-suspension system (201), wherein the SCU (110) is adapted to control one of the front EC-valve (243) and the rear EC-valve (244) via the first connection means (130). The present disclosure also relates to a bicycle (200) incorporating the control arrangement (100), as well as a method of controlling an EC-suspension system (201) of a bicycle (200).