Bicycle Suspension Control via Event-Based Active Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle suspension systems lack sufficient adjustability to meet individual user needs for performance, comfort, and safety, and often require professional calibration.
Innovation Solution
An event-based active control system that adjusts the spring rate and preload of gas springs or hybrid springs in bicycle suspensions based on riding events, using sensors and a control unit to determine target ride states and send suspension setting signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical spring adjustment methods are used, then the suspension system structure is simple, but the adjustability of spring rate and preload is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical spring adjustment mechanisms with an active control system that uses sensors to detect riding conditions and electronically controls suspension parameters. This substitution enables continuous adjustment of spring rate and preload through electronic means rather than mechanical components, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of suspension parameters based on real-time riding conditions detected by sensors. The system continuously adapts spring rate and preload settings according to actual terrain and riding state, transforming the static mechanical suspension into a dynamic, responsive system that optimizes performance for varying conditions.
2Ease of operation
If professional calibration is required for suspension adjustment, then manufacturing precision is high, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-calibrating system where the control unit automatically adjusts suspension parameters based on sensor data from riding conditions. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment without requiring professional calibration services, enabling users to operate the suspension system independently while maintaining high precision through automated feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates sensor feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor riding conditions and feed this information to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and automatically adjusts suspension parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates the need for manual professional calibration while maintaining optimal performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed suspension settings are used, then device complexity is low, but adaptability to different riding conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms fixed suspension settings into dynamic, condition-based adjustments through active control. Sensors detect various riding conditions such as terrain type, speed, and rider input, and the control unit automatically adjusts suspension parameters in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to different riding scenarios without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a control system (100) for controlling a suspension system (21) of a bicycle (300), the suspension system (21) comprising a front suspension (21F) and a rear suspension (21R). The control system (100) comprises: a control unit (110); at least one sensor (120) connected to said control unit (110), said at least one sensor (120) configured to provide riding event information relating to a riding event of the bicycle (300), wherein the control unit (110) is configured to: determine a target ride state of the bicycle (300) based on said riding event information; send a suspension setting signal to the front suspension (21F) and/or the rear suspension (21R) to adjust the bicycle (300) to the target ride state, wherein said adjustment involves adjusting a spring element (210) of the front suspension (21F) and/or the rear suspension (21R) in terms of spring rate and/or spring preload, wherein said spring element (210) includes: i) a first gas spring, or ii) a first hybrid spring comprising a gas spring and a mechanical spring. A bicycle (300) incorporating the same and a method for controlling a suspension system (21) of a bicycle (300) is also provided.