Bicycle Transmission Control via Tilt Angle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle transmission control systems do not adequately consider the tilt angle when adjusting shifting conditions, leading to inefficient gear changes during varying traveling environments such as uphill and downhill slopes.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle transmission control apparatus that uses a controller to set shifting conditions based on parameters representing the running state of the bicycle, including a tilt angle, by adjusting threshold values to optimize gear ratios according to the tilt angle and travel conditions, thereby improving shift control according to the traveling environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transmission control is based only on rotational frequency of crank, then the control system is simple, but the shift control is not appropriate for varying traveling environments such as uphill and downhill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the shifting conditions variable rather than fixed. The controller dynamically adjusts shifting thresholds based on detected tilt angles, allowing the transmission control system to adapt to changing traveling environments (uphill, downhill, flat) without requiring a completely different control system for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tilt angle detection as an additional dimension to the traditional crank rotational frequency-based control. By adding tilt angle sensing capability, the system gains the ability to distinguish between different traveling environments and adjust shifting behavior accordingly, transforming a one-dimensional control approach into a two-dimensional one.
2Reliability
If the threshold value for shifting is fixed, then the control logic is simple, but excessive gear changes occur during tilt angle changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting tilt angle changes in advance and preemptively adjusting the shifting thresholds before actual gear changes occur. When the tilt angle exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system proactively modifies the shifting conditions to prevent inappropriate gear shifts that would otherwise occur during slope transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically modifying the threshold values used for shifting decisions based on the detected tilt angle. Instead of using fixed thresholds, the system adjusts these parameters in real-time according to the bicycle's inclination, ensuring stable and appropriate shift control across varying terrain conditions.
3Ease of operation
If manual transmission control is used, then the driver has full control, but the driver load increases during uphill and downhill travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the transmission system to automatically adjust its own shifting behavior based on tilt angle detection. The controller monitors the bicycle's inclination and autonomously modifies shifting thresholds without requiring driver intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in adapting to terrain changes while reducing the driver's operational burden.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle transmission control apparatus is provided that can perform a shift control according to the traveling environment of the bicycle. The bicycle transmission control apparatus includes a controller that operates a transmission according to a parameter that represents a traveling state of a bicycle and predetermined shifting conditions. The controller sets the predetermined shifting condition based on the parameter representing a running state of the bicycle and on a tilt angle of the bicycle.