Piezoelectric Bicycle Switch Wireless Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrical switch apparatuses for bicycles face challenges in transmitting shift signals wirelessly to the control unit without the need for a battery-powered transmitter, as traditional wiring is aesthetically unpleasing and battery-powered solutions have limited longevity.
Innovation Solution
An electrical switch apparatus featuring a piezoelectric element and a striking member, coupled with a biasing unit, generates control signals when the operating member moves, allowing for wireless transmission of shift signals to the bicycle control device, eliminating the need for battery-powered transmitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If wiring is used to connect the shift switch to the shift control unit, then the connection is reliable and stable, but the wiring detracts from the appearance of the bicycle and is difficult to run along the bicycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The shift switch transmits signals wirelessly to the shift control unit, eliminating the need for physical wiring along the bicycle. This substitution maintains connection reliability through wireless communication while improving aesthetic appearance by removing visible wires.
2Shape
If a battery-powered wireless transmitter is used to transmit shift signals, then the appearance is improved and wiring is eliminated, but the battery becomes exhausted over time requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-powered wireless transmitter where the shift switch harvests energy from the user's operating actions. The operating member's movement generates electrical energy that powers the wireless transmission, eliminating the need for a separate battery. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous operation without battery replacement while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of operation
If a battery-powered wireless transmitter is used, then wireless transmission is achieved, but the device complexity increases and potential malfunctions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power generation function with the signal transmission function in a single integrated system. The operating member that generates the shift signal also generates the power needed for wireless transmission through the same mechanical action. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate battery components, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of wireless operation.
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
This solution provides a reliable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing wireless transmission of shift signals, minimizing battery consumption and potential malfunctions due to vibrations, while ensuring consistent power generation and reduced risk of component failure.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric element supported by the mounting member... The first striking member moves from the first striking member start position to the first striking member striking position to strike the first piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
a first biasing unit that applies a vector of biasing force to the first striking member
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical switch apparatus for a bicycle control device comprises a mounting member 30 structured to be mounted to a bicycle, an operating member supported by the mounting member 30 for movement between an operating member start position and an operating member operating position, a first piezoelectric element 33 supported by the mounting member 30, and a first striking member 35 supported by the mounting member 30 for movement between a first striking member start position and a first striking member striking position. The first striking member 35 is operatively coupled to the first operating member such that the first striking member 35 moves from the first striking member start position to the first striking member striking position to strike the first piezoelectric element 33 in response to movement of the first operating member from the first operating member start position to the first operating member operating position.