Wireless Bicycle Derailleur Charging and Control Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle derailleurs lack efficient and integrated systems for wireless communication and power management, particularly in electric bicycles, which hinders seamless gear shifting and battery charging capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle derailleur system incorporating a base member, movable member, linkage structure, wireless communicator, electrical connector receiving portion, and battery, with wireless communication and power management through a controller, allowing for wireless control and charging via USB ports and detachable batteries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a bicycle derailleur is equipped with wireless communication and power management systems, then operational efficiency and convenience are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines wireless communication capabilities, power management functions, and derailleur mechanics into a single integrated system. The controller unit consolidates multiple functions including wireless communication module, power management module, and control logic, allowing seamless gear shifting and battery charging through unified management rather than separate independent systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it manages gear shifting operations, handles wireless communication protocols, controls power distribution, and manages battery charging. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby enhancing operational efficiency while controlling overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If a battery is integrated into the derailleur system for power supply, then wireless control capability is enabled, but weight of moving object increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless control capabilityVSAvoidweight of moving object
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a detachable battery pack that serves as an intermediary power source. The battery connects to the derailleur system through a power connector interface, providing wireless control capability when attached while allowing the user to remove it if weight is a concern. This mediator approach enables wireless functionality without permanently increasing the derailleur's base weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery configuration is made dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed. The system allows the battery to be attached or detached based on operational needs, and the power management module dynamically adjusts power distribution based on the battery's presence and charge level. This dynamic approach enables wireless control capability on demand without permanently adding weight to the moving object

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If an electrical connector receiving portion is added for charging functionality, then battery charging capability is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery charging capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power management module incorporates self-service capabilities by automatically detecting when the electrical connector is connected or disconnected, autonomously managing the charging process, and controlling power distribution without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates charging parameters and monitors battery status, simplifying the user experience while integrating charging functionality into the existing control architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20260084783A1Bicycle derailleur
Publication Date: 2026.03.26 SHIMANO INC
  • US20260084783A1 patent drawing
  • US20260084783A1 patent drawing
  • US20260084783A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A bicycle derailleur includes a base member, a movable member, a linkage structure, a wireless communicator, an electrical connector receiving portion, and a battery. The base member is configured to be attached to a bicycle frame. The movable member is movable with respect to the base member. The linkage structure is connected with the base member and the moveable member. The wireless communicator is disposed at at least one of the base member, the movable member and the linkage structure. The electrical connector receiving portion is configured to receive a connector. The battery is disposed at the base member. The electrical connector receiving portion is configured to be electrically connected to the battery. The battery is configured to be charged with electricity through the electrical connector receiving portion.