Distributed Bicycle Electronic System Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle electronic systems often rely on centralized processing units, which can lead to system failures if the main processor malfunctions, and they lack a distributed architecture that allows for efficient power supply and communication between components.

Innovation Solution

A distributed architecture for bicycle electronic systems is implemented, featuring manual command management units and derailleur management units connected via direct communication channels, eliminating the need for a central processing unit and allowing for shared power supply through a bus system, with optional wireless communication for improved aerodynamics and ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a centralized processing unit is used to control bicycle electronic components, then the system structure is simplified and easier to manage, but the system reliability decreases because a single point of failure can cause entire system malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized control system into multiple independent processing units, each responsible for specific functions (display-carrier unit, front derailleur unit, rear derailleur unit). This segmentation eliminates the single point of failure problem while maintaining manageable system structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If wireless communication is implemented between bicycle components, then aerodynamics are improved and assembly is simplified, but power transmission reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidpower transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wireless transmission path as an intermediary medium to enable communication between processing units without physical connections. This allows aerodynamic optimization and simplified assembly while maintaining reliable power transmission through the battery unit's wireless power delivery capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2808240B1Bicycle electronic system
Publication Date: 2018.11.21 CAMPAGNOLO SRL
  • EP2808240B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2808240B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2808240B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A bicycle electronic system is described comprising a first manual command management unit having a casing configured for being fixed at a handgrip of a bicycle handlebar, comprising at least one first manually actuatable switch (1036), a first processor (1030) and a first wireless communication device (1032), characterized in that the first manual command management unit further comprises a circuit (1031) for supplying power to the first processor (1030) and the first wireless communication device (1032), the power supply circuit (1031) comprising a battery power supply source (1033) and/or being configured for absorbing energy from a radiofrequency electromagnetic field generated within the system (1001).