Removable Position Sensor for Bicycle Shifters

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle shift operating devices require separate gear position indicators for each shift operating device, which can be cumbersome and inconvenient, especially when using cycle computers that need electrical signals for gear position information.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle shift operating device with a position sensing device that can be removably attached to the base member, featuring a sensor component to detect the operating position of a movable shift unit and provide electrical signals indicative of the gear position, allowing for a single display on a cycle computer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a mechanical gear position indicator operated by cable is used for each shift operating device, then the gear position can be indicated, but the device complexity increases and it becomes cumbersome to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear position informationVSAvoidnumber of separate indicators
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple gear position indicators into a single electronic display unit on the cycle computer. The position sensing device integrates sensor components that detect the operating positions of multiple shift operating devices and transmit this information to a centralized display, eliminating the need for separate mechanical indicators for each shifter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical cable-operated gear position indicators with an electronic sensing system. The position sensing device uses electronic sensors to detect the position of movable portions in shift operating devices and transmits electrical signals to the cycle computer display, substituting the mechanical indication system with an electronic one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the position sensing device is permanently integrated into the base member, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of repair and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidserviceability of position sensing device
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the position sensing device into a removable module that can be separated from the base member. The sensing device is designed as a distinct component that can be detached and replaced without removing the entire shift operating device from the bicycle, facilitating maintenance and serviceability while maintaining stable operation during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If separate gear position indicators are provided for each shift operating device, then the reliability of gear position indication is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple indicators

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegear position indication accuracyVSAvoidconvenience of monitoring gear position
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple gear position indicators into a single centralized display on the cycle computer. This consolidation maintains accurate gear position information from all shift operating devices while presenting it in one location, significantly improving rider convenience by eliminating the need to look at multiple separate indicators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables convenient and efficient gear position indication on a cycle computer without the need for separate indicators, allowing riders to easily monitor gear positions while maintaining the ability to service or replace the position sensing device without removing the base member from the bicycle.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor component senses the operating position of the movable portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP2546128B1Bicycle shift operating device
Publication Date: 2018.09.05 SHIMANO INC
  • EP2546128B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2546128B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2546128B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A bicycle shift operating device is provided with a base member, a shift unit and a position sensing device. The base member includes a body portion with an internal cavity. The shift unit is disposed in the internal cavity of the body portion. The shift unit includes a movable portion that selectively moves between a plurality of predetermined operating positions. The position sensing device is removably attached to the body portion while the base member is attached to a bicycle. The position sensing device includes a sensor component that senses the operating position of the movable portion.