Magnetic Bicycle Control Device for Precise Gear Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices, such as twist-grip systems, lack effective mechanisms for accurately sensing and transmitting rider input operations to control components like derailleurs or internally geared hubs, leading to inefficiencies in gear shifting and control precision.
Innovation Solution
An electric control device utilizing magnetic elements, including a user operating member with a first magnetic element and a position sensing unit with a second magnetic element, generates a magnetic field to sense the rotation and position of the user operating member, transmitting this data wirelessly to control bicycle components, enabling precise gear shifting and operation maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic elements are used for sensing rider input, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensing mechanisms with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Magnetic elements (permanent magnets or electromagnets) generate magnetic fields that are detected by position sensors, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact or complex mechanical linkages. This substitution provides non-contact sensing with high precision while reducing mechanical wear and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the rider's input on the operating member and the position sensor. The magnetic elements attached to or integrated with the operating member create a magnetic field that mediates the transmission of positional information without requiring direct physical connection between the moving and stationary components, thereby improving sensing accuracy and reducing mechanical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If wireless data transmission is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or event-triggered wireless data transmission rather than continuous transmission. The position sensor and wireless transmitter are configured to transmit data at specific intervals or when position changes occur, reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining effective control operation. This periodic action allows the system to balance ease of operation with power efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If position sensing unit with rotating member is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential sensing function from a complex mechanical position detection system and implements it through a simplified configuration. The rotating member with magnetic elements and the position sensor are designed to detect angular or linear position through magnetic field changes, eliminating the need for complex mechanical encoders or multiple sensing components. This extraction of the core sensing function reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 magnetic-based system provides accurate and reliable sensing of rider input, allowing for precise control of bicycle components, enhancing shifting precision and user experience by maintaining selected positions and transmitting data effectively for gear management.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the first and second magnetic elements is configured to generate a magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric control device is provided with a fixed member (34), a user operating member (36) and a position sensing unit (22). The fixed member (34) has a bicycle mounting part. The user operating member (36) is movably mounted to the fixed member (34). The user operating member (36) includes a first magnetic element (56). The position sensing unit (22) has a rotating member (70) and a position sensor (76). The position sensor (76) senses a position of the rotating member (70). The rotating member (70) includes a second magnetic element (74) that rotates the rotating member (70) as the user operating member (36) is moved. At least one of the first and second magnetic elements (56, 74) is configured to generate a magnetic field.