Stimulation-Driven Telescopic Actuation for Responsive Bike Components

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing human-powered vehicle actuation systems lack efficient mechanisms for actuating vehicle components using stimulation, such as electric and heat stimulation, to move parts relative to each other in multiple directions while maintaining structural simplicity and responsiveness.

Innovation Solution

The proposed actuation device incorporates a base member and a movable member actuated by electric or heat stimulation, utilizing shape-memory alloys or nylon fibers, with an actuation wire that changes length in response to stimulation, allowing for movement in multiple directions and adjustable tension to maintain responsiveness and simplify the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional mechanical actuation systems are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but responsiveness and efficiency in moving vehicle components in multiple directions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidstructural simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems with stimulation-responsive actuators that utilize electric or heat stimulation to move vehicle components. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages while achieving faster and more efficient movement in multiple directions through materials like shape-memory alloys or nylon fibers that respond directly to electrical or thermal stimuli.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs actuators whose physical properties change in response to stimulation parameters. By applying electric or heat stimulation, the actuators change their state (e.g., shape, length, tension) to produce motion. This allows responsive control of vehicle components through parameter changes rather than complex mechanical switching mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If actuators capable of multi-directional movement are implemented, then versatility in actuating vehicle components improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-directional movement capabilityVSAvoidactuator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs actuators with universal functionality that can produce movement in multiple directions through a single device configuration. The actuator structure incorporates features that enable it to respond to stimulation in ways that generate motion along different axes or directions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized actuators while maintaining adaptability for various vehicle component actuation needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If shape-memory alloys or nylon fibers are used as actuator materials, then structural simplicity and weight are improved, but control precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator structureVSAvoidcontrol precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes shape-memory alloys or nylon fibers whose physical properties can be precisely controlled through parameter changes in the applied stimulation. By adjusting the magnitude, duration, and pattern of electric or heat stimulation, precise control over the actuator's response is achieved, compensating for the inherent material characteristics and enabling accurate positioning and control of vehicle components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables efficient and responsive movement of vehicle components in multiple directions, simplifying the actuation system while maintaining structural integrity and responsiveness, improving the overall performance of human-powered vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

the actuator includes a shape-memory alloy configured to deform to pull the movable member in accordance with the stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape-memory alloy deformation: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

the actuation wire is configured to decrease the total length of the actuation wire to pull the movable member in accordance with an increase in the stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

the actuator includes a nylon fiber configured to deform to pull the movable member in accordance with the stimulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS11524737B2Actuation device and telescopic apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 SHIMANO INC

AI summary

An actuation device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a base member, a movable member, and an actuator. The movable member is movably provided on the base member. The actuator is configured to be actuated by stimulation including at least one of electric stimulation and heat stimulation so as to move the movable member relative to the base member in a first direction by pulling the movable member.