Electronic Controller Shifting Adaptation for Human-Powered Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional human-powered vehicle transmission systems fail to adapt shifting conditions to individual user preferences and environmental factors, leading to unsuitable shifting experiences.

Innovation Solution

A control device with an electronic controller that adjusts shifting conditions based on riding-related information, such as cadence, torque, and environmental data, to optimize transmission ratios during riding convergence states, allowing for dynamic shifting adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If predetermined shifting conditions are used, then the transmission system is simple to operate, but the shifting is unsuitable for individual user preferences and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to user preferences and environmentVSAvoidComplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device obtains riding-related information from sensors (cadence, torque, speed) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust shifting conditions. The electronic controller continuously monitors riding state and modifies shifting parameters based on actual usage patterns, enabling adaptation to individual users while maintaining system simplicity through automated feedback loops.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically learns and adapts to user preferences without requiring manual configuration. The electronic controller self-adjusts shifting conditions based on observed riding patterns and convergence states, eliminating the need for users to manually program shifting parameters while achieving personalized shifting behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If typical predetermined shifting conditions are applied, then the control system is easy to manufacture, but the shifting performance is unsuitable for various riding situations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdaptability to riding situationsVSAvoidEase of manufacturing control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shifting conditions transition from static predetermined values to dynamic adjustable parameters. The electronic controller modifies shifting thresholds and parameters in real-time based on riding convergence states and observed patterns, allowing the system to adapt to various riding situations while using standard electronic control components that are readily manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes shifting parameters (thresholds, timing, magnitude) based on riding-related information and convergence detection. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than using fixed values, the system achieves adaptability to different riding situations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through software-based parameter modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the electronic controller continuously adjusts shifting conditions, then riding comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRiding comfortVSAvoidEnergy consumption of control device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic controller operates in periodic cycles, continuously monitoring riding state and making adjustments only when convergence states are detected or parameter changes are warranted. This periodic operation rather than continuous adjustment reduces computational load and energy consumption while maintaining riding comfort through timely interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial adjustment by modifying only the necessary shifting parameters rather than continuously optimizing all control variables. Adjustments are made selectively based on convergence detection, providing sufficient riding comfort improvement without the excessive energy consumption of comprehensive continuous optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11840316B2Control device for human-powered vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.12.12 SHIMANO INC
  • US11840316B2 patent drawing
  • US11840316B2 patent drawing
  • US11840316B2 patent drawing

AI summary

To provide a human-powered vehicle control device configured to perform shifting in accordance with situations, a control device is configured to control a transmission of a human-powered vehicle. The control device comprises an electronic controller configured to control the transmission. The electronic controller includes at least one shifting condition for actuating the transmission to shift a transmission ratio. The electronic controller holds the shifting condition that is related with riding-related information of the human-powered vehicle in a case where the human-powered vehicle is in a riding convergence state.