Electric Bicycle Operating Device Using Segmented Light Coding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operating devices for electric bicycles often visualize only a single state and lack clarity in their visualization of the bicycle's status.
Innovation Solution
An operating device for electric bicycles equipped with a light unit comprising individually controllable light elements, generating a light code to visualize multiple states clearly, connected to a control/regulation device that communicates with the bicycle's components via a bus system and supports wireless communication with rider devices, incorporating inertial measurement and machine learning for enhanced state visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional operating devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the visualization capability is limited to a single state
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device is segmented into multiple independent light elements (first light element, second light element, third light element) that can be individually controlled. Each light element represents a different state or aspect of the electric bicycle, allowing simultaneous visualization of multiple states through selective illumination of different segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The light unit serves multiple functions: it can display battery charge level, motor assistance level, system status, and other operational parameters. The same physical structure (light unit with multiple elements) is used to convey different types of information, making the device universally applicable for various visualization needs.
2Loss of information
If conventional operating devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the clarity of state visualization is problematic
Solution Approach 1:
Different light elements have different spatial positions and can be selectively activated to convey specific types of information. The first light element may indicate battery status, the second motor assistance, and the third system alerts. This local differentiation of function within the light unit enhances information clarity by providing dedicated visual indicators for different parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The control/regulation device continuously monitors the electric bicycle's operational state and provides real-time feedback to the rider through the light unit. When a state change occurs (e.g., battery level change, assistance level adjustment), the corresponding light element is immediately activated or deactivated, providing timely feedback that enhances state information clarity.
3Loss of information
If multiple light elements are added to visualize multiple states, then the information completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light elements are merged into a single integrated light unit that is mounted on the electric bicycle frame. Rather than having separate indicators for different functions, all light elements are combined in one location, consolidating the information display system and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining information completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The light unit is designed as a universal display system that can indicate multiple different states using the same physical components. The control/regulation device manages the versatility by selectively activating different light elements based on the current operational context, allowing one structure to serve multiple informational functions.
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
Provides clear and comprehensive visualization of the bicycle's states, allowing riders to adapt their behavior based on real-time information, enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a light unit (4) which comprises at least two electrical lighting elements (5) for emitting light (L)
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device for an electric bicycle may include a control/regulation device and a lighting unit. The lighting unit may include at least one electrical lighting element for emitting light. The at least one lighting element may be electrically connected to the control/regulation device such that the at least one lighting element is activatable via the control/regulation device. Via the control/regulation device, a light code with at least one of active and inactive light elements of the lighting unit is providable to visualize at least one momentary state of the electric bicycle.