Human-Powered Vehicle Electrical Contact for Simplified Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-powered vehicle electric units have a complex structure due to separate power source holders and data receiving ports, complicating the reception of electricity and data from a power source and another device.
Innovation Solution
A device with a communication electrical contact that can be in two states: receiving electricity from a power supply in one state and allowing communication with an external device in another state, thereby simplifying the structure by combining these functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate power source holder and data receiving port are used, then electricity and data can be received from different sources, but the structure of the electric unit becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power source holder and data receiving port into a single integrated contact structure. The contact is configured to simultaneously receive both electrical power and communication signals from an external device, eliminating the need for separate holders and ports. This merging of functions directly reduces the structural complexity of the electric unit while maintaining the ability to receive both electricity and data.
Solution Approach 2:
The single contact structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both a power reception terminal and a data communication interface. By designing the contact to handle both electrical power transfer and signal transmission, the patent achieves multi-functionality that reduces the overall number of components needed in the electric unit.
2Device complexity
If single contact is used for both power and data, then structure is simplified, but communication reliability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The contact structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a power reception portion and a communication portion. This segmentation allows the single contact to handle different types of signals (power and data) through separate, dedicated areas, preventing interference between power transmission and communication signals while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the contact are designed with different local qualities: the power reception portion is optimized for electrical conductivity and power handling, while the communication portion is designed with specific geometric features and material properties suitable for signal transmission. This local differentiation ensures reliable performance for both functions within the unified contact structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a communication electrical contact. The communication electrical contact is contactable with an electrical contact of an electric device. The electrical contact has a first state where the electrical contact receives electricity from a power supply and a second state where the electrical contact is in contact with the communication electrical contact. The communication electrical contact is configured to be in contact with the electrical contact to allow communication between an external device and the electric device via the communication electrical contact and the electrical contact in the second state of the electrical contact.