Bicycle Touch Sensor Control via Sequential Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle component operating devices lack an efficient and intuitive method for controlling bicycle components, such as derailleurs and adjustable suspension, while in motion, as they often require complex manipulations of switches that can be cumbersome for riders.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle component operating device incorporating a touch sensor system that uses a controller to interpret various touching characteristics, such as movement patterns, lengths, and durations, to provide control signals for controlling bicycle components like derailleurs, adjustable seat posts, and cycle computers, allowing for intuitive control without requiring riders to discontinue contact with the sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional switches are used for controlling bicycle components, then the control function is achieved, but the operation becomes complex and cumbersome for riders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches with a touch sensor system that detects control signals through touching characteristics. The controller interprets various touching patterns (duration, pressure, location) to activate different bicycle component controls, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switch manipulations while maintaining full control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameters from mechanical switch positions to touch sensor characteristics. By detecting variations in touching duration, pressure applied, and contact location on the touch sensor surface, the system translates these parameter changes into specific control commands for derailleurs, suspension, and other bicycle components
2Ease of operation
If touch sensor is used for controlling bicycle components, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor serves multiple control functions for various bicycle components (derailleurs, suspension, brake levers) through a single integrated sensor interface. The controller interprets different touching characteristics to activate different control functions, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each component and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced sensor technology
3Ease of operation
If riders need to discontinue contact with sensors to control components, then the control precision is maintained, but the operation becomes less intuitive and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor system allows riders to maintain continuous contact with the sensor while controlling different bicycle components. By varying touching characteristics (duration, pressure, location) without lifting the finger, riders can seamlessly switch between control functions, maintaining intuitive operation and improving control efficiency during riding
Data Source
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AI summary
A bicycle component operating device includes a touch sensor (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26) and a controller (50). The controller is configured to control a bicycle component based on a control signal from the touch sensor (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26). The touch sensor (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26) is separate from the bicycle component and is configured to provide the control signal to the controller (50) based on a touching characteristic in which a user performs a subsequent touching of the touch sensor (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26) after performing an initial touching of the touch sensor (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26) such that the initial touching does not cause the controller (50) to control the bicycle component.