Wireless Bicycle Handlebar Control Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle control systems require wired connections for control commands, limiting flexibility in device placement and increasing the risk of cable damage, while also necessitating frame fittings for cable management.

Innovation Solution

A wireless control device for bicycles featuring a radio communication circuit and antenna integrated into a handlebar, allowing for wireless control of electronic, electrical, electromechanical, or electrohydraulic components with a manually operable operator control element that outputs signals with varying force requirements for different operations, and an electronic circuit arrangement that can be housed within or around the handlebar for space efficiency and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wired connections are used for control commands, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but device placement flexibility is limited and cable damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice placement flexibilityVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless radio communication system. The control device uses a radio transmitter to send control commands wirelessly to the actuator, eliminating the need for physical cables that constrain device placement and increase damage risk. This substitution maintains reliable signal transmission while achieving complete placement flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If wired connections are used for control commands, then signal transmission is stable, but frame fittings for cable management are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission stabilityVSAvoidframe fittings requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for frame fittings and cable management systems by replacing wired connections with wireless radio communication. The control device transmits signals wirelessly to the actuator, removing the requirement for frame fittings that would otherwise be needed to route and protect cables through the bicycle frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electronic components are housed within handlebar, then space efficiency and protection are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against environmental influencesVSAvoidcomponent integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the electronic components (radio transmitter, control circuitry, battery) inside the handlebar structure. The handlebar serves as a protective housing that shields the electronics from environmental factors like rain, dust, and mechanical damage, while the components are arranged in a compact, space-efficient manner within the available volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The handlebar structure serves multiple functions: it provides the mounting position for the control device, acts as protective housing for the electronic components, and maintains the bicycle's structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective structures and simplifies the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 eliminates the need for wired connections, providing greater placement freedom, reducing the risk of cable damage, and utilizing unused handlebar space for component housing, while maintaining ergonomic design and protection against environmental influences.

Implementation Method 1

at least one antenna which is connected or can be connected to the radio communication circuit or which is integrated into the said communication circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio wave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11383793B2Control device for wirelessly controlling at least one component of a bicycle

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 SRAM

AI summary

A control device for a bicycle is arranged or can be arranged on the handlebar of the bicycle and serves to wirelessly drive at least one electronic, electrical, electromechanical or electrohydraulic component of the bicycle. The control device includes an operator control arrangement which has at least one manually operable operator control element and is designed to respond to operation of the operator control element and to output electrical signals which represent the operation. The control device also includes at least one electronic circuit arrangement comprising a radio communication circuit and a control circuit which is connected or can be connected to the operator control arrangement. The control device also may include at least one antenna which is connected or can be connected to the radio communication circuit or which is integrated into the said communication circuit.