Electric Shift Operating Device with Preliminary Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric shift operating devices for bicycles result in slow shifting speeds and high power consumption, as they require a larger motor and rely on mechanical click mechanisms for gear changes, leading to delayed signal generation and slower shifting responses.
Innovation Solution
An electric shift operating device comprising a base member, a movable operating member, a clicking mechanism, a signal generating arrangement, and a controller that generates shift start signals before the operating member reaches the operated position, allowing the electric gear changing device to start moving towards the target gear position before haptic feedback is provided, utilizing sensors like Hall Effect or magnetoresistive sensors for non-physical detection and efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shift switch is operated after the rider feels click by the click mechanism, then the rider can sense the shift indication, but the shifting speed becomes very slow
Solution Approach 1:
The signal generating arrangement generates a shift start signal prior to or upon the operating member reaching the operated position, before the clicking mechanism produces haptic feedback. This preliminary signal generation allows the electric gear changing device to start moving towards the target gear position earlier, resolving the contradiction between rider feedback and shifting speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical cable actuation system with an electric motor-driven system. The signal generating arrangement (using sensors like Hall Effect or magnetoresistive sensors) detects the operating member position and generates electrical signals to control the motor, substituting mechanical force transmission with electromagnetic actuation for faster response.
2Power
If a larger motor is used to drive the electric gear changing device, then the shifting power is sufficient, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives the shift start signal and operates the electric gear changing device to start moving towards the target gear position before the clicking mechanism produces haptic feedback. This timing optimization allows for more efficient power delivery, reducing the need for oversized motors while maintaining sufficient shifting power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controlled, periodic actuation of the motor rather than continuous operation. The motor is activated in controlled bursts to move the gear changing device from current position to target position, then stops, optimizing power consumption while maintaining adequate shifting power.
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
The solution enables quicker shifting responses and reduces power consumption by initiating gear changes before the clicking mechanism produces haptic feedback, allowing for faster and more efficient gear shifts while using a smaller motor, thus enhancing the compactness and performance of the electric gear changing device.
Implementation Method 1
signal generating arrangement includes one of a tactile switch, a Hall Effect sensor and a magnetoresistive sensor
Implementation Method 2
signal generating arrangement includes one of a tactile switch, a Hall Effect sensor and a magnetoresistive sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electric shift operating device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member, a clicking mechanism, a signal generating arrangement and a controller. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle. The first operating member is movably supported on the base member from a rest position to an operated position. The clicking mechanism is operated by the first operating member to produce a haptic feedback response upon the first operating member reaching the first operated position. The signal generating arrangement generates a first shift start signal prior to or upon the first operating member reaching the first operated position. The controller controls a gear position of the electric gear changing device. The controller receives the first shift start signal and operates the electric gear changing device towards a target gear position upon receiving the first shift start signal.