Wireless Bicycle Communication Device Eliminates Wire Drag

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle communication systems require exposed wires between the display unit and remote switches, leading to wind resistance and drag issues during cycling, particularly at high speeds.

Innovation Solution

A wireless bicycle communication device with a bracket, electronic switch, antenna, and removable radio communication unit that transmits switching signals via radio frequency, eliminating the need for physical wires and integrating the communication functionality within existing bicycle components like brake levers or shifters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If exposed wires are used to connect the display unit and remote switch, then electrical connection is achieved, but wind resistance and drag increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind resistanceVSAvoidwire exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire-based electrical connection system with a wireless radio frequency communication system. The remote switch and display unit communicate switching signals wirelessly through radio waves, eliminating the need for physical wires extending along the handlebar, thus reducing wind resistance and drag while maintaining electrical connection functionality

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the communication functionality from the physical wire connection and implements it through a wireless radio frequency module integrated into the remote switch. This extraction removes the harmful exposed wires from the system while preserving the essential signal transmission function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If a remote switch is used to switch display data, then cycling continuity is improved, but wind resistance increases due to exposed wires

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecycling continuityVSAvoiddrag
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the mechanical wire connection with wireless radio frequency communication, allowing the remote switch to transmit switching signals without exposed wires. This maintains cycling continuity by enabling remote operation while eliminating the drag caused by wire exposure

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

3Ease of operation

If hands are moved from handlebar grip to press display buttons, then display switching is achieved, but cycling performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay switchingVSAvoidcycling performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wireless communication module as an intermediary between the remote switch and display unit. This intermediary enables signal transmission without physical wire connections, allowing cyclists to operate the display unit with one hand on the grip while maintaining cycling performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Reduces wind resistance by eliminating exposed wires, allowing cyclists to operate the display unit without moving their hands from the handlebar grip, enhancing performance and comfort during cycling.

Implementation Method 1

The radio communication unit is configured to process switching signals from the electronic switch and broadcast corresponding radio signals via the antenna

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2135804B1Wireless bicycle communication device
Publication Date: 2012.07.18 SHIMANO INC
  • EP2135804B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2135804B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2135804B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wireless bicycle communication device includes a bracket (60), an electronic switch, an antenna (68), a wiring assembly (266) and a radio communication unit (70). The electronic switch is coupled to the bracket and configured to generate switching signals. The antenna is supported to an antenna receiving portion of the bracket. The wiring assembly electrically connects the antenna and a first connector. The radio communication unit is disposed within a radio unit receiving portion of the bracket and has a second connector configured to detachably mate with the first connector. The radio communication unit is configured to process switching signals from the electronic switch and broadcast corresponding radio signals via the antenna.