Bicycle Suspension Control via Single-Contact Switch Operation Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bicycle suspension control apparatuses have complex structures due to the use of multiple-contact switches, making them difficult to change operating states efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle suspension control apparatus that utilizes simple single-contact switches by employing different operation methods, such as varying operation times or counts, to change the suspension's operating states, allowing users to switch between multiple states using a single operating device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple-contact switches are used to control suspension operating states, then the suspension can be changed among multiple operating states, but the switch structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of operating statesVSAvoidswitch structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using a single-contact switch with different operation modes (single press, double press, long press, etc.) to control different operating states of the suspension. Instead of using multiple contacts to differentiate states, the system changes the operational parameters (number of presses, duration) of a single switch to achieve the same functionality, thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If simple single-contact switches are used, then the switch structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult to control multiple operating states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch structureVSAvoidnumber of operating states
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the switch operation flexible and adaptive. A single-contact switch dynamically responds to different user inputs (single press, double press, long press durations) to control multiple suspension operating states. This dynamic operation mode allows the simple switch structure to achieve versatile control functionality, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2492180B1Bicycle suspension control apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.01.13 SHIMANO INC
  • EP2492180B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2492180B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2492180B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A suspension control section 95 is a bicycle suspension control apparatus configured to control a front suspension FS and a rear suspension RS - each of which has a plurality of operating states - in response to operation of a switch. The suspension control section 95 has a control means 98. The control means is configured to put the bicycle suspension into a first operating state in response to a first operation of the operating device and put the bicycle suspension into a second operating state in response to a second operation of the operating device, the second operation being a different operating method than the first operation.