Bicycle Suspension Ride-State Control for Efficiency and Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle suspension systems struggle to find a compromise between comfort and pedaling efficiency across varying ride conditions, as they often require manual switching between extreme lock-out positions, which is impractical and lacks versatility.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses sensors and a control unit to determine ride states and send suspension setting signals to adapt continuously, with defined events of minimum duration, reducing power consumption while maintaining high suspension performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual switching between extreme lock-out positions is used, then pedaling efficiency is improved in one position, but versatility and comfort are worsened due to inability to handle varying ride conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from static extreme positions to dynamic continuous adjustment. The control unit receives sensor data about ride conditions and continuously adjusts the suspension between fully locked and fully open positions, enabling adaptive response to varying terrain and riding phases rather than requiring manual switching between fixed extremes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the suspension parameter (lock-out degree) continuously based on detected ride conditions. Instead of being limited to discrete extreme positions, the suspension can be adjusted to any intermediate position, allowing optimization for different phases of pedaling, coasting, climbing, and descending.
2Reliability
If continuous sensor monitoring and suspension adjustment is implemented, then suspension performance is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit monitors sensor data and adjusts the suspension at defined intervals or when specific ride condition changes are detected, rather than maintaining constant active monitoring and adjustment. This periodic operation maintains suspension performance while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Productivity
If mechanical and/or electrical lock-out with two extreme positions is used, then pedaling efficiency is improved in specific conditions, but comfort and grip are worsened in other conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts between fully locked and fully open suspension positions based on real-time ride condition detection. During pedaling phases on smooth surfaces, the suspension locks to improve efficiency. During coasting, climbing, or descending on technical terrain, the suspension opens to provide comfort and grip. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to compromise between conflicting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system becomes multi-functional, capable of providing both locked and open characteristics as needed. A single suspension system performs multiple functions: it can lock for pedaling efficiency, open for comfort, and provide intermediate positions for transitional conditions, replacing the need for separate mechanical and electrical lock-out mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system for control of front and/or rear suspensions of a bicycle. The system comprises at least one sensor and one control unit. The at least one sensor is connected to the control unit and the control unit is configured to receive information from the sensor, determine a ride state of the bicycle from the information and send a suspension setting signal to the front and/or the rear suspension corresponding to the ride state. The control unit is further configured to establish an event, the event comprising information about said ride state of the bicycle and a suspension setting signal to the front and/or the rear suspension corresponding to the ride state and defining a minimum duration in time for the event.