Wearable Bicycle Control Using Proximity Sensor Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle control devices require a permanent electrical connection, which is uncomfortable and prone to connection interruptions, limiting the cyclist's ability to easily control bicycle equipment while maintaining a fixed position.

Innovation Solution

A wearable control device with a sensor that emits electrical commands without a physical connection, using a target that can be worn or placed on the bicycle, allowing for easy activation or deactivation of commands based on proximity or contact with the sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a permanent electrical connection is used between the control unit and bicycle equipment, then the control signal transmission is reliable, but the device becomes uncomfortable and prone to connection interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol signal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcyclist comfort and freedom of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The control unit transmits control signals to bicycle equipment components (derailleur, suspension, saddle adjuster, cycle-computer) without physical electrical connections, using wireless transmission technology to eliminate wires while maintaining signal transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a wired connection is used for control signals, then the connection is stable, but it limits the cyclist's ability to move freely and requires a fixed position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidcyclist position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical wired connection with wireless communication, allowing the cyclist to move freely and change positions without being constrained by wire length or routing. The control unit maintains stable signal transmission to bicycle equipment while enabling complete freedom of movement and position adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If conductive pads and wires are used to connect the control unit to finger sensors, then the control function is achieved, but the device becomes uncomfortable and susceptible to connection interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol function capabilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical connection system comprising conductive pads and wires by implementing wireless communication. The control unit transmits signals wirelessly to bicycle equipment, removing the vulnerable wired connection infrastructure while maintaining full control functionality and improving connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11034402B2Bicycle control device

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 CAMPAGNOLO SRL

AI summary

A wearable control unit for controlling a piece of equipment of a bicycle has a power source and a sensor powered by the power source. The sensor detects targets that are physically distinct and separate from the control unit and not electrically connected to the control unit by a wire. The control unit generates and emits an electrical command in response to a change of state of the sensor brought about by entry of the target into the sensor's detection range, and/or in response to the target exiting from the detection range of the sensor.