Derailleur Motor Current Feedback Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle electronic gearshift systems face challenges in efficiently controlling the motor of the derailleur, leading to suboptimal torque delivery and mechanical degradation during gear shifting, due to inadequate feedback control of the motor current.

Innovation Solution

A method for feedback controlling the current absorbed by the motor during displacement, using a controller to optimize torque delivery by adjusting the drive voltage based on measured current and residual distance, with options for constant, time-dependent, or distance-dependent reference currents, and incorporating features like PID control and filtering to ensure smooth operation and protect the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the motor is driven with fixed voltage or simple step control, then the control system is simple, but the torque delivery is suboptimal and causes mechanical degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical durabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the actual current absorbed by the motor and comparing it with a reference current value. The controller adjusts the drive voltage dynamically based on this comparison to optimize torque delivery. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing optimal torque control (improving mechanical durability) while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture through straightforward current sensing and voltage adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from fixed voltage or step-based control to dynamic current-based control. By measuring actual motor current and adjusting drive voltage accordingly, the system optimizes torque delivery in real-time. This parameter change enables better torque management (reducing mechanical degradation) while the control complexity remains manageable through direct current measurement and proportional voltage adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If feedback control of motor current is implemented, then torque delivery is optimized and mechanical degradation is reduced, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical durabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the actual current absorbed by the motor and comparing it with a reference current value. The controller adjusts the drive voltage dynamically based on this comparison to optimize torque delivery. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing optimal torque control (improving mechanical durability) while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture through straightforward current sensing and voltage adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system uses the motor's own current consumption as the feedback signal, eliminating the need for separate torque sensors or complex measurement systems. The motor current directly indicates the torque being delivered, allowing the system to self-regulate by adjusting voltage based on measured current. This self-service approach optimizes torque delivery (improving mechanical durability) while avoiding additional complex sensing hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If the motor is driven at high voltage for fast gear shifting, then the gear change speed increases, but excessive current causes mechanical stress and degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear shift speedVSAvoidmechanical stress
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the drive voltage parameter based on actual motor current measurement. Instead of applying fixed high voltage that causes excessive current and mechanical stress, the system monitors current absorption and adjusts voltage to maintain optimal torque delivery. This parameter change enables fast gear shifting (high speed) while preventing excessive current (reducing mechanical stress and degradation).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the actual current absorbed by the motor and comparing it with a reference current value. The controller adjusts the drive voltage dynamically based on this comparison to optimize torque delivery. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing optimal torque control (improving mechanical durability) while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture through straightforward current sensing and voltage adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the performance of the gearshift system by optimizing torque delivery, reducing mechanical degradation, and ensuring smooth gear changes while protecting the motor and components from excessive resistance.

Implementation Method 1

an electromechanical actuator to displace the chain guide. The actuator in turn typically comprises a motor, typically an electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10668982B2Method for controlling a motor of a derailleur of a bicycle electronic gearshift, and component suitable for carrying out such a method
Publication Date: 2020.06.02 CAMPAGNOLO SRL
  • US10668982B2 patent drawing
  • US10668982B2 patent drawing
  • US10668982B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling a motor of a derailleur of a bicycle electronic gearshift during a displacement from an initial position (A) towards a destination position (B) includes the step of feedback controlling the current (I(t)) absorbed by the motor. A controller of an electric motor of a derailleur of a bicycle electronic gearshift is configured to carry out a feedback control of the current (I(t)) absorbed by the motor during a displacement from an initial position (A) towards a destination position (B).