Controller Mode Switching for Human-Powered Vehicle Operating Device

Solution Overview

Problem

Human-powered vehicles face challenges in optimizing power consumption of operating devices, leading to inefficiencies in energy use and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

The operating device for human-powered vehicles incorporates a controller that dynamically switches between different power consumption modes based on user input and detected conditions, including a waiting mode, activating mode, and sleep mode, to minimize power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the controller operates continuously in high power mode, then the response speed and functionality are improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically adjusts its operating mode between first mode (lower power consumption) and second mode (higher power consumption) based on real-time detection of user input through the electric switch. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high responsiveness when needed while minimizing power consumption during idle periods, directly resolving the contradiction between response speed and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes its operational parameters by switching between different power consumption modes. In the first mode, the controller operates with lower power consumption for extended battery life, while in the second mode, it operates with higher power consumption to provide enhanced functionality and faster response. This parameter change approach enables the system to optimize the balance between speed and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If the controller switches modes frequently, then the power consumption is optimized, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller's operation is segmented into distinct modes (first mode and second mode) with clearly defined transition conditions. This segmentation simplifies the control logic by creating discrete, manageable states rather than continuous complex adjustments. The electric switch provides clear transition triggers, making the mode switching mechanism straightforward to implement and manage despite the dynamic nature of the power optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of moving object

If the controller remains in low power mode, then the battery life is extended, but the response time to user input increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for potential user interaction by maintaining the capability to quickly transition from first mode to second mode upon detecting user input through the electric switch. While operating in first mode to conserve battery, the controller remains ready to switch to second mode instantaneously when triggered, thus preserving both extended battery life and rapid response capability without requiring continuous high-power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11414150B2Operating device for human-powered vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.08.16
  • US11414150B2 patent drawing
  • US11414150B2 patent drawing
  • US11414150B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An operating device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a base member, an operating member, an electric switch, and a controller. The operating member is movably coupled to the base member. The electric switch is configured to receive a user input in response to a movement of the operating member to operate an additional device. The controller is configured to change a mode of the controller at least between a first mode in which the controller is configured to be under first power consumption and a second mode in which the controller is configured to be under second power consumption different from the first power consumption.