Powered, programmable machine and method for transforming a bicycle to fit particular riders and/or riding conditions

Abstract

The present invention provides a means for powered, programmable transformation of a bicycle to fit a given cyclist for a given condition while riding. It comprises a computer/app and actuators to perform all adjustments while riding, that is programmable to recall fit information and/or to follow a fit algorithm that will transform a bicycle to match a particular rider's best fit for a particular condition such as climbing, descending, sprinting, etc. It also may adjust fit in response to on-the-fly rider commands, sensor inputs, and/or data from other devices.

Claims

1. An electronic control system for a bicycle, comprising: a controller with a user interface transmitting a fit signal and receiving inputs; at least one powered actuator receiving a command from the controller and adjusting at least one fit parameter in accordance with the command from the controller, the actuator sensing the fit parameter(s) and communicating the status to the controller.

2. The control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is programmable to adjust at least one fit parameter for a particular cyclist and/or particular condition in response to an input.

3. The control system of claim 2, wherein the controller includes a program to provide an automatic fit based upon a fit algorithm in response to an input.

4. The control system of claim 2, wherein the controller includes a program to adjust fit in response to inputs from one or more sensors and/or other devices.

5. The control system of claim 2, wherein the controller, actuator(s), and/or other devices communicate wirelessly.

6. The control system of claim 2, wherein the controller and actuator(s) adjust the fit parameter(s) of saddle height, saddle position front/back, saddle side-to-side tilt, and/or saddle angle nose up/down.

7. The control system of claim 6, wherein the controller and actuator(s) adjust the fit parameter(s) of handlebar stem height relative to the steerer tube, angle of handlebars in the handlebar clamp, and/or length of the handlebar stem extension.

8. The control system of claim 7, wherein the controller and actuator(s) adjust the fit parameters of the length of the right and left crank arms.

9. A powered actuator receiving inputs and providing outputs to a controller to adjust at least one fit parameter on a bicycle, comprising: a base part attachable to a bicycle; a movable part attached to a component of the bicycle; a linkage interconnecting the base part to the movable part to enable the movable part and attached component to move relative to the base part; a motor or other power source disposed on the actuator to power the motion of the movable part; a power storage source incorporated into the actuator, separate from the actuator, and/or shared with other devices attached to the bicycle.

10. The powered actuator of claim 9, wherein the actuator includes a transmitter and receiver.

11. The powered actuator of claim 9, wherein the actuator is powered on by an input from the controller.

12. The powered actuator of claim 9, wherein the controller and actuator(s) adjust the fit parameters of saddle height, saddle position front/back, saddle side-to-side tilt, and/or saddle angle nose up/down.

13. The powered actuator of claim 12, wherein the controller and actuator(s) adjust the fit parameter(s) of handlebar stem height relative to the steerer tube, angle of handlebars in the handlebar clamp, and/or length of the handlebar stem extension.

14. The powered actuator of claim 13, wherein the controller and actuator(s) adjust the fit parameters of the length of the right and left crank arms.

15. An electronic control system for a bicycle, comprising: a controller with a user interface transmitting a fit signal and receiving inputs; at least one powered actuator receiving a command from the controller and adjusting at least one fit parameter in accordance with a command from the controller, the actuator sensing the fit parameter(s) and communicating the status to the controller; software interfacing with the rider to permit programming of at least one fit parameter for a particular cyclist and/or particular condition.

16. The electronic control system of claim 15, wherein the software includes an algorithm to provide an automatic fit for a particular cyclist and/or particular condition.

17. The electronic control system of claim 15, wherein the software adjusts at least one fit parameter in response to inputs from (an)other device(s) measuring climatic, bicycle, rider parameters, and/or rider conditions.

18. The electronic control system of claim 15, wherein the software adjusts at least one fit parameter in response to measurements of bicycle speed, gear position, and/or surface gradient.

19. The electronic control system of claim 15, wherein the software adjusts at least one fit parameter in response to cyclist power output.

20. The electronic control system of claim 15, wherein the software adjusts at least one fit parameter in response to a signal from a remote device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIG. 1 is a side view of a representative bicycle showing an exemplary arrangement of the elements of the invention including the Controller and four Actuators located at the saddle, the handlebars, and one each on the left and right pedal cranks.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a representative view of the Controller showing one embodiment of an exemplary display for the invention.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the interaction of the Controller with the Actuators.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the method used to control and program the fit between the cyclist and the bicycle using the PowerFit invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.

[0025] FIG. 1 demonstrates the general arrangement of the invention elements in one (preferred) embodiment as mounted on a representative road bicycle. The PowerFit elements are mounted on a bicycle 100 such that the Controller 101 is mounted on the right top bar of the handlebars. An Actuator to control the position of the handlebars (Handlebar Actuator 102) is shown mounted to the top of the steerer tube. An Actuator to control the position of the saddle (Saddle Actuator 103) is shown mounted under the saddle and attached to the seat post. An Actuator to control the length of the crank arm (Crank Actuator 104) is shown mounted on the right crank arm. Another Crank Actuator (not shown) is mounted on the left crank arm. The elements of the invention have the following functions: [0026] The Controller 101 consists of a dedicated computer device or as an App/software running on another device (e.g. a smartphone or cycling computer). It interfaces with the cyclist to communicate information about the bicycle fit via visual display, audio output, or via wireless communication with another display/headset/device. It further has means to receive commands from the rider via appropriate controls such as voice, touchscreen, buttons, knobs, sliders, or other such controls. It also includes a means for communicating with the actuators so that the Controller 101 has data about their current positions and is able to transmit commands to change their positions. Such communication may be via physical (e.g. wire or optical cable) or wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) means. The Controller 101 also has computer memory to retain programming input by the cyclist, position information provided by the Actuators, or other data (e.g. speed, power output, altitude, and/or gradient). It may include other capabilities such as the ability to provide an automatic fit based upon a fit algorithm and inputs of measurements/preferences of the cyclist. [0027] The Actuators 102, 103, 104 each control one or more fit parameters and interface with the Controller. Each Actuator consists of a device that can interface with the Controller via physical or wireless means. Each contains a processor that can sense one or more fit parameters and communicate the position of each parameter to the Controller. Each also can receive commands from the Controller that instruct the Actuator to adjust each parameter in accordance with the commands of the Controller. Each Actuator has a source of power for its processor and for contained servos or other systems to drive the adjustments. In this preferred embodiment, a central battery contained in the Controller provides power for the Controller 101 and each Actuator 102, 103, 104 via electrical cables. The same cables are used to communicate between the Controller 101 and each Actuator 102, 103, 104. [0028] The Handlebar Actuator 102 senses and controls the position of the handlebars and interfaces with the Controller 101. In this exemplary (preferred) embodiment, the Handlebar Actuator senses and controls the following parameters: the height of the handlebar stem relative to the steerer tube, the angle of the handlebars in the handlebar clamp, and the length of the handlebar stem extension. [0029] The Saddle Actuator 103 senses and controls the position of the saddle and interfaces with the Controller 101. In this exemplary (preferred) embodiment, the Saddle Actuator senses and controls the following parameters: saddle up/down, saddle slide front/back, saddle nose up/down, saddle tilt left/right. [0030] The Crank Actuator 104 senses and controls the position of right pedal crank arm and interfaces with the Controller 101. In this exemplary (preferred) embodiment, the Crank Actuator 104 senses and controls the length of the right pedal crank arm. An identical Crank Actuator (not shown) senses and controls the length of the left pedal crank arm.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary Controller 101 displaying two different menus. The Home Menu 105 is shown at the top of FIG. 2. The Programming Menu 106 is shown at the bottom. The exemplary Controller 101 demonstrates the use of a touchscreen similar to those present on smartphones. Other types of controls are envisioned including voice and physical buttons, knobs, sliders, and the like. For some applications, touchscreens may prove impractical when cyclists wear gloves or ride in inclement weather.

[0032] The Home Menu 105 shows an exemplary arrangement of controls that can be used to select a fit program for a particular rider in particular conditions. Under the title Rider, control 107 can be swiped to find the programs for the current cyclist. Under the title Condition, the appropriate button from the condition buttons 108 can be selected. The Controller 101 can be turned on or off using button 109. The menus can be cycled from one to the next using the Menu button 110.

[0033] The Programming Menu 106 shows an exemplary arrangement of controls that can be used to create a fit program for a particular rider for a particular condition. Under the title Rider/Condition, control 111 can be swiped to select a cyclist. Control 112 can be swiped to select a condition. Once these selections have been made, the fit of the bicycle can be adjusted. Under the title Saddle, the buttons 113 can be used to adjust the various fit parameters related to the position of the saddle. Under the title Bars, the buttons 114 can be used to adjust the various fit parameters related to the position of the handlebars. Next to the title Crank, the buttons 115 can be used to adjust the length of the crank arms. Once the fit has been adjusted as desired, the current fit can be saved as a program for the currently selected rider and condition by pressing the Save button 116.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary arrangement of the interaction between the Controller and the Actuators. In this example, the Controller 101 is open to the Home Menu 105. The rider John Doe has been selected via the control 107, and a condition (e.g. Climb) selected using the condition buttons 108. The Controller 101 compares the selected fit program in its memory against the current fit of the bicycle based upon the data reported to it from the various Actuators via a physical or wireless means of communication. It then communicates commands to the various Actuators via a physical or wireless means of communication to adjust the fit parameters to match the selected fit program (the communication between the Controller 101 and the Actuators 102,103,104 is represented by the dashed, double-ended arrows 117). The various Actuators then communicate back the new fit data to confirm completion of the adjustments.

[0035] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart summarizing an exemplary method for programming the Controller. As the flowchart is self-explanatory, the method will not be repeated in this text.

CLAIM LISTING

[0036] While this invention has been described by reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes could be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but that it have the full scope permitted by the language of the following claims.