Electronic Suspension Control Apparatus for Bicycle Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle suspension systems require riders to sequentially operate multiple actuators to change the suspension height while locked out, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An electronic suspension control apparatus with a signal receiving section, suspension lockout determination section, and signal output section that allows for simultaneous operation of height adjustment and temporary lockout release, enabling easy height changes without the need to manually unlock and relock the suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the suspension is locked out and the rider wants to change the height, then the suspension stability is improved, but the operation complexity increases as the rider must sequentially operate multiple actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lockout actuator and height adjustment actuator into a single integrated actuator that can perform both locking/out and height adjustment functions. This merging eliminates the need to sequentially operate multiple actuators, reducing operational complexity while maintaining suspension stability when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both the lockout function and the height adjustment function. This universal design allows the rider to switch between locking the suspension and adjusting its height using one device, simplifying the user interface and operational steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two independent operating members are used for lockout and height adjustment, then the functional versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate actuators (lockout actuator and height adjustment actuator) into a single integrated actuator with a unified drive mechanism. This reduces the number of components, simplifies the overall device structure, and lowers manufacturing costs while preserving both lockout and height adjustment capabilities through different operational modes of the same actuator.
3Measurement precision
If sequential operation of multiple actuators is required, then the control precision is improved, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated actuator is pre-programmed with control logic that automatically manages the transition between lockout and height adjustment modes. When the rider activates the actuator, the system preliminarily determines the required operation type and executes the appropriate sequence internally, eliminating the need for the rider to manually perform multiple sequential operations and reducing time consumption while maintaining precise control.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic suspension control apparatus is provided with a signal receiving section, a suspension lockout determination section and a signal output section. The signal receiving section selectively receives input signals. The suspension lockout determination section determines a suspension lockout state. The signal output section outputs a temporary lockout release signal in response to the signal receiving section receiving a suspension height adjustment signal as one of the input signals while the suspension lockout determination section determines that a suspension lockout state exists.