Wireless Derailleur Controller for Single-Action Skip Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle derailleur systems struggle with inefficient shifting during high-speed braking, requiring multiple shifts to achieve optimal gear ratios, leading to discomfort and slower restarts due to inadequate shifting capabilities in existing mechanical and electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementation of a Remote Control (RC) servo-based derailleur system with programmable handlebar shifters and a microcontroller, utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication and inertial sensors for seamless 'Skip Shift' and 'Drop Shift' capabilities, allowing riders to achieve optimal gear changes with a single command, and incorporating a touchscreen interface for advanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional mechanical cable-based derailleur systems are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but multiple shifts are required during high-speed braking which causes delay and rider discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cable-based actuation system with an electrical motor-driven system. The derailleur is actuated by a small DC motor that directly moves the chain between sprockets, eliminating the need for cable tensioning mechanisms and manual cable pulling. This electrical substitution enables faster, more precise gear shifts during high-speed braking without the mechanical delays of cable-based systems.
2Ease of operation
If multiple shift commands are issued during high-speed braking, then the optimal gear ratio can be achieved, but the shifting process takes longer and increases rider effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating the optimal gear ratio based on detected riding conditions (speed, acceleration, road gradient) and automatically executing the complete multi-step shifting sequence in advance. When a rider initiates a shift during high-speed braking, the controller immediately begins the optimal shift sequence without waiting for multiple rider inputs, thereby reducing both time and effort while achieving the target gear ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor riding conditions including speed, acceleration, and road gradient. This feedback loop allows the controller to dynamically adjust shifting commands in real-time, optimizing the gear selection and shift execution speed based on actual riding conditions, thereby minimizing both shift time and rider effort during high-speed braking events.
3Speed
If electrical motors are added to enable faster shifting, then shift speed improves, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the derailleur system into independent functional modules: a small DC motor for chain positioning, a separate controller unit for processing sensor data and generating shift commands, and individual sensors for speed, acceleration, and gradient detection. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, making the electrical enhancement more manageable and less complex than a fully integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller unit serves multiple functions: it processes data from various sensors (speed, acceleration, gradient), determines optimal gear ratios, executes shift commands, and adapts to different riding conditions. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function, while still achieving fast and intelligent shifting performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle electrical derailleur controller making use of a wireless two way communication protocol to receive actuation commands for a front and rear derailleurs from an operator user interface such as a cellphone and including a power pack to accordingly actuate each of controlled front and rear derailleur through two discrete wired connections, and further including an input for a cadence sensor, integral and therefore environmentally protected inertial and environmental sensing modules with gyroscopic, acceleration, temperature, humidity and pressure readings thereof being wirelessly transmitted to controlling operator user interface along with reading of thereto wired cadence senser on regular and programmable intervals and further including an LCD display to relay controller status along with other operational parameters to a rider.