E-Bike Remote Control Layout for Ergonomic Thumb Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric bicycles have remote control units with support selection buttons and input devices that are not ergonomically arranged, requiring riders to reach around safety-critically to operate them, which is inconvenient and potentially hazardous.
Innovation Solution
The remote control unit is designed with support selection buttons and an input device, such as a joystick, arranged along a convex, arcuate line that follows the natural movement of the rider's thumb, allowing for intuitive and ergonomic operation without reaching, along with a compact and aesthetically appealing design that includes backlit symbols and a modular structure for adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the assistance selection buttons and input device are arranged next to each other on the remote control unit, then the device can be compact, but the rider cannot operate them ergonomically and must change grip which is safety-critical
Solution Approach 1:
The control elements (input device, assistance selection buttons, and rocker switch) are arranged along a convex, curved common line that matches the natural arc of the rider's thumb movement. This curved arrangement allows the rider to operate all controls ergonomically without changing grip, as the thumb can naturally traverse the curved path while maintaining a stable hand position on the handlebar grip.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controls are arranged on the remote control unit, then the device becomes functional, but the arrangement becomes complex and difficult to operate safely
Solution Approach 1:
The convex, curved common line arrangement allows multiple control elements to be distributed along an arc that follows the thumb's natural movement path. This spatial distribution maintains functionality while ensuring safety, as the rider can access all controls without compromising grip stability or requiring dangerous hand movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote control unit is divided into functionally distinct segments: an input device for menu navigation, assistance selection buttons for power level control, and a rocker switch for gear selection. Each segment is positioned at an optimal location along the curved line, allowing the rider to access different functions sequentially along the thumb's movement path without confusion or safety issues.
3Reliability
If the controls are arranged for ergonomic thumb operation, then safety is improved, but the device design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging all control elements along a single convex, curved common line that matches the anatomical arc of thumb movement, the design achieves high safety (reliability) while maintaining relatively simple configuration. The curved line serves as a unifying structural concept that simplifies the overall layout compared to scattered or multi-plane arrangements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a remote control unit (26) for a display unit (24) of an electric bicycle (1), said remote control unit (26) being arranged in the region of the handlebar (28) away from the display unit (24) and comprises support selection keys (30, 32) for selecting the support step and at least one input unit (34) for navigating the menu and selecting menu items represented on the display unit (24). According to the invention, input unit (34) and support selection keys (30, 32) are arranged along a common line (60). The invention also relates to an electric bicycle (1) comprising said type of remote control unit (26).