Bicycle Electric Contact Switching for Power and Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electric devices for human-powered vehicles have a complex structure due to separate ports for power supply and data reception, complicating the integration of electricity and information transfer.
Innovation Solution
An electric device with an electrical contact that can switch between receiving electricity from a power supply and information from an external device, utilizing a base member with a power-supply accommodating part to maintain contact and a detector to recognize the state, allowing for simplified structure and efficient information transfer via the power source voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate ports are used for power supply and data reception, then reliable power supply and data transfer are achieved, but device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply holder and data receiving port into a single integrated contact structure. The contactless power transfer system uses the same electromagnetic field coupling mechanism for both power transfer and data communication, merging two separate functions into one unified interface that reduces structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic coupling interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transfers electrical power from the power supply to the electric unit, and also transmits data signals for firmware updates and setting changes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated ports, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Device complexity
If a single contact is used for both power supply and data reception, then device structure is simplified, but contact state recognition becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the electric unit detects the presence and state of the power supply through the electromagnetic coupling interface. The controller monitors the coupling status and provides feedback signals to determine whether the power supply is properly connected, enabling automatic state recognition without requiring separate detection contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic coupling interface automatically performs both power transfer and data communication functions based on the presence of the power supply. The system self-detects the operational state through the coupling characteristics themselves, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms and reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric device for a human-powered vehicle comprises an electrical contact. The electrical contact has a first state where the electrical contact receives electricity from a power supply and a second state where the electrical contact receives information from an external device.