Patent Publication Number: US-2020283095-A1

Title: Electronic Cable Puller

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to an electronic cable puller for a bicycle. 
     DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     A traditional bicycle may change between gears by moving a rear derailleur via a shift cable. For example, a shift control attached to handlebars of the bicycle may be actuated by a rider. The shift control may be connected to a gear changer by a shift cable. The shift control pushes or pulls the shift cable and causes the gear changer to change gears. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one example, an electronic cable puller for a bicycle includes a housing, a drive supported by the housing and powerable by a power source, and an adjuster connected to the housing. The drive is configured to pull a shift cable into or allow the shift cable to be pulled out of the electronic cable puller. The adjuster is configured to adjust a length of the shift cable relative to a sheath. 
     In one example, the device includes a motor and a gearbox connected to the motor. 
     In one example, the drive further includes an advancement element connected to the gearbox. The motor is configured to rotate the advancement element via the gearbox. 
     In one example, the electronic cable puller further includes a shift cable and a carriage disposed on the advancement element. The carriage is connected to the shift cable. The motor is configured to translate the carriage relative to the housing via the rotation of the advancement element, such that the shift cable is pulled into the housing or is allowed to be pulled out of the housing based on a direction of the translation. 
     In one example, the housing includes a base, a first cover attached to the base, and a second cover that is removably attached to the base. The base and the first cover define a first end of the electronic cable puller. The first end of the electronic cable puller is opposite a second end of the cable puller. The second cover abuts or is adjacent to the first cover. 
     In one example, the adjustor is a barrel adjuster connected to the housing at the second end of the electronic cable puller, the sheath surrounds a portion of the shift cable, and the adjuster is configured to modify a length of the sheath outside of the electronic cable puller. 
     In one example, the base and the first cover at least partially define a first chamber, and the base and the second cover at least partially define a second chamber. The first chamber is sealed. The motor and the gearbox are disposed within the sealed first chamber. The carriage is disposed within the second chamber. The advancement element extends between the sealed first chamber and the second chamber. 
     In one example, the carriage includes a body and a wing extending away from the body of the carriage. An outer profile of the wing corresponds to a channel at an inner surface of the housing. 
     In one example, the shift cable is connected to the carriage offset relative to an axis of rotation of the advancement element. 
     In one example, the electronic cable puller further includes a controller supported by the housing. The controller is in communication with the power source and the motor. The controller is configured to control the motor. 
     In one example, the electronic cable puller further includes one or more sensors in communication with the controller. The one or more sensors are configured to determine a position of the carriage. The controller is configured to control the motor based on the determined position of the carriage. 
     In one example, the one or more sensors include Hall effect sensors configured to determine a rotational position of the motor. 
     In one example, the power source is external to the electronic cable puller. 
     In one example, an electronic cable puller for a bicycle includes a housing, a drive supported by the housing, and a shift cable connected to the drive and connectable to a derailleur of the bicycle. The housing includes a base, a first cover, and a second cover removably attached to the base. The base and the first cover at least partially define a first chamber. The first chamber is sealed. The second cover abuts or is adjacent to the first cover. The base and the second cover at least partially define a second chamber. The drive is at least partially disposed within the first chamber. The drive is configured to pull the shift cable into or allow the shift cable to be pulled out of the electronic cable puller, such that a length of the shift cable is outside of the electronic cable puller. 
     In one example, the drive further includes a motor, a gearbox connected to the motor, and an advancement element connected to the gearbox. The motor is configured to rotate the advancement element via the gearbox. The electronic cable puller further includes an internally threaded member disposed on the advancement element. The shift cable is connected to the internally threaded member. The motor is configured to translate the internally threaded member relative to the housing via the rotation of the advancement element, such that the shift cable is pulled into the housing or is allowed to be pulled out of the housing based on a direction of the translation. 
     In one example, the housing includes an end plate attached to the second cover and the base. The motor and the gearbox are disposed within the sealed first chamber. The internally threaded member is disposed within the second chamber. The advancement element extends between the sealed first chamber and the second chamber. 
     In one example, the electronic cable puller further includes a seal supported by the housing and disposed at least partially between the first chamber and the second chamber. The seal is configured to seal the first chamber from the second chamber. The advancement element extends from the first chamber, through the seal, to the second chamber. 
     In one example, the electronic cable puller further includes a circumferential seal disposed at least partially between the first cover and the base and a potting seal disposed at an entry of a wire into the housing. 
     In one example, a drive system includes a derailleur, a cable, and an electronic cable puller connected to the derailleur via the cable. The electronic cable puller includes a housing, a drive supported by the housing and connected to the cable, and an adjuster connected to the housing. The drive is configured to pull the cable into the electronic cable puller or allow the cable to be pulled out of the electronic cable puller. The adjuster is configured to adjust a length of the shift cable relative to a sheath. 
     In one example, the electronic cable puller further includes a lead disposed at a first end of the housing. The lead is in communication with the drive. The adjuster is connected to the housing at a second end of the housing. The second end of the housing is opposite the first end of the housing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view schematic of a bicycle fitted with an electronic cable puller in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure; 
         FIG. 2 a    is an isometric view of an electronic cable puller for a bicycle, such as the bicycle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2 b    is a side view of the electronic cable puller of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2 c    is a perspective view of the electronic cable puller of  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b    with a portion of the housing removed; 
         FIG. 2 d    is a side view of the electronic cable puller of  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b    with a portion of the housing removed; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an adjuster of an electronic cable puller, such as the electric cable puller of  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c   , and  2   d;    
         FIG. 4 a    is a perspective view of a drive system of an electronic cable puller, such as the electric cable puller of  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c   , and  2   d;    
         FIG. 4 b    is a side view of the drive of  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 4 c    is a cutaway view of the drive of  FIGS. 4 a    and  4   b;    
         FIG. 5  is an expanded view of the drive of  FIGS. 4 a   - 4   c;    
         FIG. 6 a    is a side view of the carriage of the electronic cable puller of  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c   , and  2   d;    
         FIG. 6 b    is a perspective view of the carriage of  FIG. 6   a;    
         FIG. 6 c    is a front view of the carriage of  FIGS. 6 a    and  6   b;    
         FIG. 7 a    is a perspective view of a carriage and a housing of the electronic cable puller of  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c   , and  2   d;    
         FIG. 7 b    is a front view of the carriage and the housing of  FIG. 7   a;    
         FIG. 8  is a side view of an advancement element and a carriage of the electronic cable puller of  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c   , and  2   d;    
         FIG. 9 a    is a perspective view of control electronics of the electronic cable puller of  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c   , and  2   d;    
         FIG. 9 b    is another perspective view of control electronics of the electronic cable puller of  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c   , and  2   d;    
         FIGS. 10 a , 10 b , and 10 c    are cross-sectional views of the electronic cable puller of  FIGS. 2 a , 2 b , 2 c , and 2 d   , with a carriage in different positions, respectively; and 
         FIG. 11  is a view of a shift control for a bicycle, such as the bicycle of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     With a manual shift control such as a handlebar-mounted shift lever, a gear on a bicycle may be selected. The manual control depends on the user to select the gear and to change gears appropriately. This may result in a sub-optimal gear being selected, or a gear being selected in error. For example, the user may select too high or low of a gear for a given terrain traversed by the bicycle, or the user may maintain a current gear despite a change in terrain. The user may inadvertently or accidentally select a different gear while riding. Mechanical shifting may require a full stroke of the manual control (e.g. the shift lever), and less than a full stroke may result in an incomplete shift. Further, the user must provide the effort for shifting with the manual control. The manual shift control may require a long length of shift cable to be run from the handlebars to the rear derailleur. This length of cable is susceptible to being caught or tangled with other parts of a bicycle, cut, or torn during use. 
     An electronic cable puller may provide a solution to one or more of the problems described above. The electronic cable puller may be connected to the gear changer and pull the shift cable to select a gear based on input from the shift controller. Because the shift cable may terminate at the electronic cable puller, the shift control may be mounted anywhere on the bike, regardless of a physical routing of the shift cable. For example, the shift control may be mounted in an ergonomic location not possible with manual shift controls. The shorter length of shift cable between the gear changer and cable puller may be less susceptible to being caught, torn, or cut. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic cable puller may change gears more quickly and/or with greater accuracy than with a manual mechanical shift control. For example, a controller may sense a change in terrain and signal the electronic cable puller to change gears without user input. 
     Previous designs of electronic cable pullers were self-powered, often relying on batteries. The batteries may have a finite charge and need replaced or recharged over a period of use, after which the electronic cable puller is inoperable. Further, previous designs may use a proprietary shift control and lack compatibility with different shift control and bicycle designs. Still further, previous cable pullers may be difficult to install and maintain because the cable pullers lack an adjustment for the shift cable or a sheath of the shift cable. Additionally, set up and maintenance of previous electronic cable pullers may require a user to remove a cover for the entire cable pulling mechanism, thereby increasing a risk of water and debris ingress. User error when replacing the cover may compromise a seal of the cover, increasing the risk of damage to the cable pulling mechanism 
     The present disclosure provides examples of electronic cable pullers that may be powered by a centralized battery of an electric power assisted bicycle (“e-bike”) and may not be internally powered. The centralized battery of the e-bike may be recharged during use, providing that the electronic cable puller is operable at all times when the e-bike is in use. In some cases, the e-bike may include one or more sensors or controllers. The electronic cable puller may receive signals from the one or more sensors or controllers to trigger the electronic cable puller to change gears. For example, the e-bike may sense a change in terrain or in user power and signal the electronic cable puller to change gears without user input. 
     Additionally, the electronic cable pullers disclosed herein may include two covers that attach to a common base of a housing. The common housing in conjunction with the two covers may reduce overall part count for the electronic cable pullers disclosed herein. Set up and maintenance of the electronic cable pullers described herein may require removal of one of the covers, beneath which only some of the components of the electronic cable puller may be disposed. For example, set up and maintenance may require removal of one cover shielding internal components of the electronic cable puller that are not sensitive to dirt or water may be disposed. Another cover of the housing may protect water sensitive components such as control circuitry or a drive, and may not need to be removed during set up and maintenance. 
     Further, the electronic cable pullers disclosed herein may include an adjustment portion. The adjustment portion may include a manual adjuster for the shift cable. The manual adjuster may be disposed on an external surface of the housing and allow for convenient tuning of the electronic cable puller without disassembly. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  generally illustrates one example of a bicycle  100  on which the disclosed electronic cable puller  124  may be implemented. In this example, the bicycle  100  may be a mountain bicycle. In some cases, the bicycle  100  may be an e-bike. The bicycle  100  has a frame  102 , handlebars  104  near a front end of the frame  102 , and a seat or saddle  106  for supporting a rider over a top of the frame  102 . The bicycle  100  also has a first or front wheel  108  carried by a front fork  110  of the frame  102  and supporting the front end of the frame  102 . The bicycle  100  also has a second or rear wheel  112  supporting a rear end of the frame  102 . The rear end of the frame  102  may be connected to a rear suspension component  114 . The bicycle  100  also has a drive train  116  with a crank assembly  118  that is operatively coupled via a chain  120  to a rear cassette  122  near a rotation axis of the rear wheel  112 . An electronic cable puller  124  may be mounted to the frame of the bicycle  100 . The electronic cable puller  124  may be coupled with a rear derailleur  132  via a shift cable  126  to shift gears on the rear cassette  122 . In some cases, the shift cable  126  may be a Bowden cable. In this example, the electronic cable puller  124  may be connected to a controller  128  of the bicycle via a lead or wire  130 . In some cases, the controller  128  may include a power source and provide power to the electronic cable puller  124  by the wire  130 . In another example, the electronic cable puller  124  may communicate wirelessly with the controller  128 . 
     While the bicycle  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  is a mountain bicycle, the electronic cable puller  124 , including the specific embodiments and examples disclosed herein as well as alternative embodiments and examples, may be implemented on other types of bicycles. For example, the disclosed electronic cable puller  124  may be used on road bicycles, as well as bicycles with mechanical (e.g., cable, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.) and non-mechanical (e.g., wired, wireless) drive systems. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b   , the electronic cable puller  124  is shown in greater detail. The electronic cable puller  124  includes a wire  130 , which extends through one end (e.g., a first end) of the electronic cable puller  124 , and a shift cable  126 , which extends through another end (e.g., a second end) of the electronic cable puller  124 . One end of the wire  130  may terminate in a connector  236 . A portion of the shift cable  126  is surrounded by a sheath  218 . 
     The electronic cable puller  124  has a housing  200  including a base  202 , a first cover  204 , a second cover  206 , and an end plate  208 . The first cover  204  is attached to the base  202  in any number of ways including, for example, with one or more connectors (e.g., screws), an adhesive, or a combination thereof. The first cover  204  and/or the base  202  at least partially define the first end  210  of the electronic cable puller  124  and a first chamber (see  FIG. 2 c   ) within the electronic cable puller  124 . The first cover  204  may be attached to the base  202  in a way that makes it difficult for a user of the electronic cable puller  124  to access the first chamber (e.g., a first portion). The first chamber of the electronic cable puller  124  may also be waterproof, as electrical components of the electronic cable puller  124  may be disposed within the first chamber. For example, a waterproof seal may be disposed between the first cover  204  and the base  202  of the housing  200 . The seal may be a circumferential seal between the first cover  204  and the base  202 . The waterproofing may prevent the intrusion of water or other liquids beyond the first cover  204  to, for example, protect the electrical components (e.g., control electronics, a motor, and hall effect sensors). 
     The second cover  206  is attached to the base  202  in any number of ways including, for example, with one or more connectors (e.g., screws  212  into tapped holes in the base  202 , bolts, or other tooled or non-tooled fasteners). The second cover  206  and the base  202  at least partially define a second chamber (see  FIG. 2 c   ) within the electronic cable puller  124 . The second cover  206  may be removably attached to the base  202 , such that the user may access the second chamber to install and replace components (e.g., the shift cable  126 , a advancement element, and a carriage) within the second chamber of the electronic cable puller  124  and/or for adjustment of one or more of the components within the second chamber of the electronic cable puller  124 . The second cover  206  may be dustproof in that the attachment of the second cover  206  to the base  202 , combined with the end plate  208 , keeps dust out of the second chamber. In one example, a dustproof seal is disposed between the second cover  206  and the base  202  of the housing  200 . The dustproof seal may prevent intrusion of dust and debris into the second chamber of the electronic cable puller  124 . In some cases, the second chamber is free of electrical components, and thus, the attachment of the second cover  206  to the base  202  may require less extensive sealing against water ingress as compared to the attachment of the first cover  204  to the base  202 . 
     The end plate  208  is attached to the base  202  and/or the second cover  206  in any number of ways. The end plate  208  may removably attached to the base  202  with one or more connectors. For example, one or more screws bolts, or other tooled or non-tooled fasteners may secure the end plate  208  with holes in the base  202 . In one example, the end plate  208  abuts or is adjacent to the second cover  206  but is not attached to the second cover  206  with, for example, one or more connectors. One or more intervening parts, such as a seal, may be disposed between the end plate  208  and the second cover  206 . The end plate  208  at least partially defines the second end  214  of the electronic cable puller  124 . The end plate  208  may be removably attached to the base  202  to allow installation of one or more components within the second chamber of the electronic cable puller  124  (e.g., the lead screw and the carriage). 
     The electronic cable puller  124  also includes an adjuster  216  at or adjacent to the second end  214  of the electronic cable puller  124 . The adjuster  216  may adjust a length of a path that the shift cable  126  traverses to, for example, the rear derailleur  132 . The length of the path traversed by the shift cable may be changed by adjusting a length of a sheath  218  outside of the electronic cable puller  124 . The sheath  218  surrounds a portion of the shift cable  126 . An end of the sheath  218  is positioned within a recessed portion of the adjuster  216 . For example, an end of the sheath  218  may abut a ledge inside the recessed portion of the adjuster  216 . The adjuster  216  has an opening through which the shift cable  126  extends into the second chamber. In one example, the adjuster  216  is a barrel adjuster. For example, the adjuster  216  may be rotated to increase or decrease a distance between the sheath  218  and the electronic cable puller  124 . Because the shift cable  126  is, for example, flexible, increasing the distance between the sheath  218  and the electronic cable puller  124  may lengthen a path for the shift cable  126  to the rear derailleur  132 , and thus adjust a position of the rear derailleur relative  132  to the rear cassette  122 . 
     In some cases, the end plate  208  may support the adjuster  216 . For example, the adjuster  216  has external or internal threads, and the end plate  208  may have a threaded portion into or onto which the adjuster  216  is rotatably attached. The end plate  208  also includes an opening through which the core the shift cable  126  extends into the second chamber. The end plate  208  may also support an end of the lead screw (see  FIGS. 2 c  and 2 d   ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the adjuster  216  is shown with a core member  300 , attachment element  302 , and a support element  304 . The core member  300  may be disposed within a housing  306  of the adjuster  216 . The core member  300  may extend beyond the housing  306  and into an end plate  208  of the cable puller  124 . In some cases, the core member  300  may extend at least partially into the housing  200  of the cable puller  124 . The core member  300  may be secured to the end plate by the attachment element  302 . The cable  126  may extend through the core member  300 . 
     The attachment element  302  may include threading. The threading may correspond a surface of the end plate  208 . Rotation of the adjuster  216  may result in rotation of the attachment element  302 . The attachment element  302  may translate with rotation. For example, rotation of the attachment element  302  may cause the attachment element  302  to translate as the threading on the attachment element  302  acts against the end plate  208 . 
     The support element  304  may be disposed on the core member  300  opposite the attachment element  302 . The support element  304  may include a surface against which a sheath  218  of the shift cable  126  may rest. The sheath  218  may be supported on one end by the rear derailleur  132  and on the other end by the support element  304 . Rotation of the adjuster  216  may increase or decrease a distance between the end of the sheath  218  supported by the support element  304  and the end plate  208  of the cable puller  126 . 
     The housing  306  of the adjuster  216  may be user-accessible. The housing may have a round, square, or other outside profile. For example, the housing  306  may have a substantially circular outer profile like a barrel adjuster. The housing  306  may have a surface treatment. For example, the housing  306  may have ridges or knurling. The surface treatment may increase the grip on the adjuster  216 . Rotation of the housing  306  may cause one or more elements of the adjuster  216  to rotate. For example, the core member  300 , attachment member  302 , and supporting element  304  may rotate along with the housing  306 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 a  and 2 b   , one or more attachment protrusions  220  may extend from the housing  200 . For example, four attachment protrusions  220  extend away from the housing  200 , with two attachment protrusions  220  extending away from each of opposite sides of the base  202 . More or fewer attachment protrusions  220  may extend away from the housing  200 . The attachment protrusions  220  may be positioned anywhere on an outer surface of the housing  200 . The attachment protrusions  220  may allow for installation of the electronic cable puller  124  on a bicycle (e.g., the bicycle  100  of  FIG. 1 ). Referring to  FIG. 2 b   , the attachment protrusions  220  may be shaped to receive portions of mounting elements  222  (e.g., elastic bands), respectively. For example, the attachment protrusions  220  may be hook-shaped. The attachment protrusions  220  may be the same or differently shaped. The mounting elements  222  may, for example, extend around a mounting portion of a bicycle and be held in place or secured by the attachment protrusions  220 , respectively, on the opposite sides of the base  202 , such that the electronic cable puller  124  is secured to the mounting portion of the bicycle. The mounting portion of the bicycle may be a portion of the frame  102  of the bicycle  100 . One or more mounting elements  222  may be used to secure electronic cable puller  124  to the bicycle. The number of mounting elements  222  used may be determined by the number of pairs of attachment protrusions  220  extending away from the housing  200 . 
     The mounting elements  222  allow the electronic cable puller  124  to be secured to any number of different parts of, for example, the bicycle  100 , including chainstays, seatstays, down tubes, and seat tubes. In this way, the electronic cable puller  124  may not be dependent on a specific geometry of the bicycle  100 , which may be highly variable based on style, application, and sizing, but may instead be part of a standardized mounting geometry that may be implemented across multiple bicycle manufacturers (e.g., including multiple e-bike motors and batteries). Additionally or alternatively, the electronic cable puller  124  may be secured to the e-bike controller  128 . 
     The mounting elements  222  may be elastic to provide tension when stretched. For example, the mounting elements  222  may be made from natural or synthetic rubber or another material with elastic properties. The mounting elements  222  may be removably attached to the attachment protrusions  220 , respectively. For example, the mounting elements  222  may be separated from the attachment protrusions prior to installation of the electronic cable puller  124  on the bicycle  100 . When the electronic cable puller  124  is located or placed on the bicycle  100 , the mounting elements  222  may be routed around the bicycle  100  such that a portion of the bicycle  100  extends in a space between the housing  200  of the electronic cable puller  124  and the mounting elements  222 . The mounting elements  222  may be joined to the attachment protrusions  220  to secure the electronic cable puller  124  to the bicycle  100 . Additionally or alternatively, the mounting elements  222  may be joined with attachment protrusions  220  located on the bicycle  100  to secure the electronic cable puller  124  to the bicycle  100 . 
       FIGS. 2 c  and 2 d    show an electronic cable puller for a bicycle, such as the bicycle of  FIG. 1 , with a portion of the housing  200  (e.g., the first cover  204  and the second cover  206 ) removed. The electronic cable puller  124  may include a motor  224  connected to a gearbox  226  to drive a movement of a carriage  230 . In some cases, the motor  224  and gearbox  226  drive the carriage  230  by rotating an advancement element  228 . The advancement element  228  may be a threaded rod. The carriage  230  may be a nut, such as a lead nut. The motor  224  may be controlled by control circuitry  232  disposed on a substrate  901  (see  FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b   ). 
     In one embodiment, the assembly of the motor  224 , the gearbox  226 , the advancement element  228 , the carriage  230 , and the control circuitry  232  within the electronic cable puller  124  may be organized linearly. For example, starting from the first end  210  of the electronic cable puller  124 , the wire  130  extends through the first end  210  of the electronic cable puller  124  and connects to the control circuitry  232  (e.g., including a printed circuit board (PCB) and one or more processors). The control circuitry  232  is electrically connected (e.g., with wires or wirelessly) to the motor  224 , which is connected to the gearbox  226 . The control circuitry  232  may be arranged perpendicular to a main axis of the electronic cable puller  124  defined by the motor  224 , the gearbox  226 , the advancement element  228 , and the carriage  230 , or any combination thereof. The gearbox  226  drives rotation of the advancement element  228 , which translates the carriage  230 . The shift cable  126  is connected to the carriage  230  and extends through the adjuster  216 , out of the second end  214  of the electronic cable puller  124 . In some cases, the sheath  218  surrounding the shift cable  126  may terminate at the adjuster  216 . The control circuitry  232 , the motor  224 , and the gearbox  226  are positioned within the first chamber defined by the housing  200 , and the carriage  230  is positioned within the second chamber defined by the housing  200 . The advancement element  228  extends between the first chamber and the second chamber. Other configurations and/or positioning may be provided. 
     The motor  224  may be an electromotive device. For example, the motor  224  may be an electric motor. The motor includes one or more output shafts (e.g., two output shafts). Referring to  FIGS. 4 a -4 c    and  5 , a first output shaft  400  of the motor  224  may drive the gearbox  226 . In some cases, a drive gear  416  disposed on the output shaft  400  may drive the gearbox  226 . A second output shaft  402  of the motor  224  may protrude from a side of the motor  224  opposite the first output shaft  400 . The second output shaft  402  may be connected to a rotary position sensor  404 . The rotary position sensor  404  may include one or more feedback magnets. The second output shaft  402  may be common with the first output shaft  400  such that a feedback magnet of a rotary position sensor  404  turns with rotation of the first output shaft  400 . The feedback magnet  404  may be used by the control circuitry  232  to determine a position or other information about the motor  224  or other components of the electronic cable puller  124 . In some cases, the motor  224  may be located in a portion of the housing  200  that is waterproofed or otherwise sealed against the ingress of water or other liquids (e.g., the first sealed chamber of the housing  200 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 c  and 2 d   , the gearbox  226  may be driven by the motor  224 . For example, rotation of the first output shaft  400  of the motor  224  may drive the gearbox  226 . In some cases, the gearbox  226  may be a hybrid two-stage spur and planetary gearbox. For example, a first stage of the two-stage gearbox  226  may be a spur gear, and a second stage of the two-stage gearbox  226  may be a planetary gear. An output of the gearbox  226  may be a low backlash interface. In some cases, the gearbox  226  may be located in a portion of the housing  200  that is waterproofed. 
     In some cases, all or portions of the motor  224  and the gearbox  226  may be combined in a common motor gearbox assembly. In such cases, a motor block may provide support for one or more components of the motor  224  and the gearbox  226 . The motor block may, for example, form an enclosure for the first stage of the gearbox  226 . A ring gear may, for example, form the enclosure for the second stage. The gearbox  226  and/or the common motor gearbox assembly, including the motor block, may be located in the waterproof chamber of the housing  200  (e.g., the first sealed chamber of the housing  200 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 a -4 c    and  5 , the gearbox  226  may include a ring gear housing  406 . The motor  224  and the gearbox  226  may be supported by a common motor block  408 . A first spur stage  410  and a second planetary stage  412  of the gearbox  226  may be under the ring gear housing  406 . The gearbox  226  may drive an output interface  414 . The ring gear housing  406  may mount to the common motor block  408 . The ring gear housing  406  may enclose the second planetary stage  412  of the gearbox  226 . 
     The spur stage  410  may include a spur gear  418 . The spur gear  418  may drive one or more planetary gears  420  of the planetary stage  412  of the gearbox  226 . The spur gear  418  may be disposed on a supporting member  422 . The supporting member  422  may be supported on one end by the motor block  408 . In some cases, a cover  424  may be placed over the spur gear and/or the supporting member  422 . 
     The planetary stage  412  may include one or more planetary gears  420 . The planetary gears  420  may be supported by the output interface  414 . For example, the output interface may have one or more spindles  426  that support the planetary gears  420 . The planetary stage  412  may include a cover  428  with a recess  430  and may be disposed opposite the backlash interface  414 . The cover  428  may retain the planetary gears  420  on the spindles  426 . The planetary gears  420  may drive the output interface  414 . 
     The common motor block  408  may support both the motor  224  and the gearbox  226 . Additionally or alternatively, the motor block  408  may support the ring gear housing  406 . For example, fasteners  432  may secure the ring gear housing  406  to the motor block  408  via mounting holes  434 . In some cases, the motor  224  and gearbox  226  may be installed in the common motor block  408  to form an assembly. The assembly may be then installed into the housing  200  of the electronic cable puller  124 . The motor block  408  may be secured to the housing  200  by one or more fasteners. For example, the fasteners may secure the motor block  408  to the housing  200  via mounting holes  436 . 
     The ring gear housing  406  may have a toothed inner surface  438 . A profile of the toothed inner surface  438  may correspond to an outer profile of one or more of the planetary gears  420  of the of the planetary stage  412  of the gearbox  226 . 
     The output interface  414  may be a low backlash output interface for driving the advancement element  228 . In some cases, the output interface  414  may support one or more planetary gears  420  of the planetary stage  412  of the gearbox  226 . For example, the output interface  414  may act as a carrier that supports the planetary gears  420  on the spindles  426  extending from the output interface  414 . The output interface  414  may be shaped to correspond to a shape of the advancement element  228 . In some cases, the output interface  414  extends within a portion of the housing  200  having the motor  224  and gearbox  226 . For example, the output interface  414  may extend within the waterproofed or sealed portion of the housing  200  (e.g., the first sealed chamber of the housing  200 ). In other cases, the output interface  414  may extend into a second portion of the housing  200  (e.g., the second chamber of the housing  200 ). For example, the output interface  414  may extend from the sealed portion of the housing  200  into the user-accessible portion of the housing  200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 c  and 2 d   , the advancement element  228  may be rotated by the output of the gearbox  226  (e.g., the output interface  414 ). The advancement element  228  may be a lead screw with threading on an outer surface of the lead screw. The advancement element  228  may be supported on one or more ends by the housing  200 . The advancement element  228  supports the carriage  230 . At least a portion of the advancement element  228  is located in a user-accessible portion of the housing  200 . In the case that the gearbox is located in the waterproofed portion of the housing  200 , a portion of the advancement element  228  may extend from the waterproof portion of the housing  200  to another portion of the housing  200 . The advancement element  228  may pass through a rotating seal. In other cases, a portion of the gearbox  226  may extend out of the waterproof portion of the housing  200  and drive the advancement element  228 . The advancement element  228  may connect to the gearbox  226  with a low-backlash interface. 
     In one embodiment, the carriage  230  may be disposed on the advancement element  228 . The carriage  230  has an opening (e.g., a first opening) through which the advancement element  228  extends. The opening is, for example, threaded on an inner surface. The threading may match the threading on, for example, the outer surface of the advancement element  228 . Rotation of the advancement element  228  causes the carriage  230  to translate along a length of the advancement element  28 , and thus, along a length of the housing  200 . The carriage  230  may have a second opening for retaining an end of the shift cable  126 . The shift cable  126  may extend through the second opening. A fixing bolt on an end of the shift cable  126  may secure the shift cable to the carriage  230 . The carriage  230  and the advancement element  228  together may form a non-backdriveable pair. For example, force applied by the shift cable  126  may not significantly move the carriage  230  combined with the advancement element  228 . 
     In some cases, the carriage  230  may have one or more wings extending from a body of the carriage  230 . Referring to  FIGS. 6 a -6 c  and 7 a   - 7   b,  the carriage  230  may include, for example, two wings  600  extending away from opposite sides of a body  602  the carriage  230 . The carriage  230  may include more or fewer wings  600  extending away from the body  602  of the carriage  230 . The wings  600  may fit inside corresponding channels  604  in the housing  200  extending essentially parallel to an extent of the advancement element  228 . In some cases, the shift cable  126  and the advancement element  228  may not be colinear. As the carriage  230  translates along the advancement element  228  and pulls the cable  126   b,  a distance between the advancement element  228  and the cable  126   b  may cause a rotational force or torque to act upon the carriage  230 . The wings  600  may limit an amount of rotation possible by the carriage  230  and keep the carriage  230  aligned with respect to the advancement element  228 . Excess rotation may cause the electronic cable puller  124  to bind or cause excess wear on components such as the advancement element  228 , the carriage  230 , and the shift cable  126 . 
     The second opening  608  may extend partially or entirely through a body of the carriage  230 . In one example, the second opening  608  extends partially or entirely through one of the wings  600 . The shift cable  126  may be fed through the second opening  608 . For example, the shift cable  126  without the sheath  218  may be fed through the second opening  608 . A fixing bolt  610  may be installed on an end of the shift cable  126 . The fixing bolt  610  may prevent the shift cable  126   b  from being pulled back through the second opening  608  and the carriage  230 . In one example, the second opening  608  includes different portions with different diameters such that a flange, on which the fixing bolt  610  may be positioned, is formed. In such an example, the fixing bolt  610  may be attached to the carriage  230  with a friction fit. In one example, the fixing bolt  610  is able to move (e.g., rotate) within the second opening  608  (e.g., on the flange). 
     The first opening  606  may extend partially or entirely through the body  602  of the carriage  230 . In one example, the first opening  606  extends through a center of the body  602  of the carriage  230 . The carriage  230  may ride on the advancement element  228  with the advancement element  228  extending through the opening  606 . A surface of the first opening  606  may be threaded. For example, the threading of the first opening  606  may correspond to threads on a surface of the advancement element  228 . Rotation of the advancement element  228  causes the carriage  230  to translate along a length of the advancement element  228 . In some cases, a surface at least partially forming the second opening  608  is parallel to an axis of rotation of the carriage  230  through the center of the carriage  230 . A centerline of the second opening  608  may be offset from the axis of rotation of the carriage  230  in a direction away from the wings  600  (e.g., directly above or below the axis of rotation of the carriage  230 ). 
     The one or more wings  600  may extend away from the body  602  of the carriage  230 . The wings may extend for a portion of or all of the length of the carriage  230 . In the case that the advancement element  228  and the shift cable  126  are not co-axial, the carriage  230  may rotate along an axis perpendicular to the advancement element  228  or the shift cable  126 . In the case that there is friction between the second opening  608  and the advancement element  228 , the carriage  230  may rotate along an axis essentially parallel to the advancement element  228  or the shift cable  126 . Positioning of the wings  600  within the channels  604  may prevent rotation of the carriage  230  as the carriage  230  traverses along the advancement element  228 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 a  and 7 b   , the wings  600  of the carriage  230  ride in channels  604  on an interior of the housing  200  (shown with the attachment protrusions  220  and mounting holes  614 ). The channels  604  may be recesses or slots formed into an interior portion of the housing  200 . The number of channels  604  may correspond to the number of wings  600  extending away from the body  602  of the carriage  230 . The channels  604  may have a profile corresponding to a profile of the wings  600 , in that a size and/or a shape of each of the channels  604  may correspond to a size and/or a shape of the wing  600  positioned within the respective channel  604 . For example, the wings  600  may fit inside the channels  604  with small gaps  612  between the wings  600  and the channels  604 . A profile of the wings  600  may be shaped to match a profile of the channels  604  to minimize the size of the gaps  612  The wings  600  may ride in the channels  604  to resist a rotation caused by a load on the carriage  230  applied by the shift cable  126  and the advancement element  228 . The channels  604  may extend along all or part of a length of the housing  200 . For example, one or more channels  604  may extend along a length of a user-accessible or dustproof portion of the housing (e.g. within the second chamber of the housing  200 ). In some cases, the channels  604  may extend into the end plate  208 . 
     The attachment protrusions  220  may include a supporting portion  616  and a retaining portion  618 . When the mounting elements  222  are placed on the attachment protrusions  220 , the supporting portion  616  may support one or more mounting elements  222 . The retaining portion  618  may prevent the mounting elements  22  from slipping off of the supporting portion  616 . 
     The mounting holes  614  may support the end plate  208 . For example, the end plate  208  may be secured to the housing  200  by one or more fasteners. The fasteners may fit into the mounting holes  614  to secure the end plate  208 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a side view of an example of a carriage (e.g., the carriage  230 ) positioned on an advancement element (e.g., the advancement element  228 ). The advancement element  228  may be connected to a low backlash interface  800 , a biasing device  802 , a first bearing  804 , a rotary seal  806 , and a second bearing  808 . 
     The low backlash interface  800  may couple the advancement element to the gearbox  226 . For example, a profile of the low backlash interface  800  may correspond to a profile of the output of the gearbox  226 . The profile of the low backlash interface  800  may be configured to reduce or eliminate backlash between the gearbox  226 . For example, the profile of the low backlash interface  800  may be configured to closely match a profile of the gearbox  226 . In some cases, the low backlash interface  800  may extend to a sealed or waterproofed portion of the housing  200  where the gearbox  226  is disposed (e.g., the first chamber of the housing  200 ). 
     The biasing device  802  may act against an inner surface of the housing  200 . In some cases, the biasing device  802  may act between an inner surface of the housing  200  and the first bearing  804 . In this way, the biasing device may apply a force that deflects the advancement element  228  in a direction away from the gearbox  226 . The biasing device  802  may be a preloading spring. 
     The first bearing  804  may be a radial bearing. The first bearing  804  supports the advancement element  228  and is supported by the housing  200 . For example, the first bearing  804  may be supported by an interior extent of the user-accessible or dust-proof portion of the housing  200  (e.g., within the second chamber of the housing  200 ). In addition or alternatively, the first bearing  804  may be disposed in and supported by an interior extent of the waterproof or sealed portion of the housing  200  (e.g., within the first chamber of the housing  200 ). 
     The rotary seal  806  may be disposed on the advancement element  228 . The rotary seal  806  may seal one portion of the housing from another portion of the housing  200 . For example, the rotary seal  806  may separate a waterproof or sealed portion of the housing  200  from the user-accessible or dust proof portion of the housing  200  (e.g., the first sealed chamber of the housing  200  from the second chamber of the housing  200 ). The rotary seal  806  may be supported by a passage  236  between the waterproof or sealed chamber of the housing  200  and the user-accessible or dust proof portion of the housing  200 . In some cases, the rotary seal  806  may form all or part of a rotary seal  234  shown in  FIG. 2   d.    
     The second bearing  808  may be a radial and thrust bearing. The second bearing  808  may be supported by the housing  200 . For example, the second bearing  808  may be disposed within a user-accessible or dustproof portion of the housing  200  (e.g., within the second chamber of the housing  200 ) and supported by an interior extent of the portion of the housing  200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 c  and 2 d   , the shift cable  126  may be installed in the electronic cable puller  124  by removing the second cover  206 . Based on instructions from, for example, the controller  128 , the control circuitry  232  may cause the motor  224 , gearbox  226 , and advancement element  228  to rotate until the carriage  230  translates to an end of the housing  200  (e.g., the second end  214  of the housing  200 ) corresponding to the rear derailleur  132  selecting the most outboard gear of the rear cassette  122 . If replacing an old cable, the old cable may be removed. The shift cable  126  may be fed through the barrel adjuster  216  and the end plate  208  into the interior of the housing  200  (e.g., the interior of the second chamber of the housing  200 ). The shift cable  126  may be fed through the carriage  230  and pulled tight. The fixing bolt  610  may be tightened to secure the shift cable  126  to the carriage  230 . The adjuster  216  may be rotated to change the tension in the shift cable  126  so that a top pulley of the rear derailleur  132  is aligned with the most outboard gear of the rear cassette  122 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 c  and 2 d   , the control circuitry  232  may provide power to the motor  224 . The control circuitry  232  may be electrically connected to the wire  130 . Via the wire  130 , the control circuitry  232  may be in communication with the controller  128  of the bicycle  100 . For example, the control circuitry  232  and motor  224  may receive power from the control circuitry  128  or a battery of an e-bike via the wire  130 . The wire  130  may have a connector  236  on one end. The connector  236  may provide an electrical connection between the wire  130  and the control circuitry  128  or the battery of an e-bike. In some cases, the wire  130  may be sealed where the wire enters the housing  200 . For example, epoxy or another sealing material may be disposed around the wire  130  where the wire  130  enters the housing  200 . The material may form a potting seal around the wire  130 . The sealing prevents ingress of water into the control circuitry  232  from the outside of the housing  200 . Additionally or alternatively, the sealing may reduce strain on the wire  130 . 
     The electronic cable puller  124  may also include a rotary seal  234  to prevent ingress of water and/or debris into the control circuitry  232  from the second chamber of the housing  200 . The rotary seal  234  may be located between the gearbox  226  and the advancement element  228 . In some cases, where the gearbox  226  is located in a waterproof portion of the housing  200  (e.g., the first chamber of the housing  200 ) and the advancement element  228  is located in a user-accessible or dust proof portion of the housing  200  (e.g., the second chamber of the housing  200 ), the rotary seal  234  may extend between both portions of the housing  200 . The rotary seal  234  may have a passage  236  through which the advancement element  228  or the gearbox  226  may extend. The passage  236  may be supported by the housing  200 . The rotary seal  234  may be, for example, a stuffing box. The rotary seal  234  may include or work in conjunction with a rotary seal on the advancement element  228 . 
     The control circuitry  232  may include one or more of a communication transceiver, an input voltage detection circuit, a voltage converter, a light emitting diode, a microcontroller, a motor controller, a Hall Effect sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the control circuitry  232  may include two Hall Effect sensors arranged to form a quadrature encoder. The Hall Effect sensors may be arranged to correspond to the position sensor  404  of the motor  224 . The communication transceiver may translate data received via the wire into data compatible with the microcontroller. For example, the communication transceiver may translate controller area network (CAN) data into serial data. The voltage converter may support one or more input voltages (or a range of input voltages) from the wire  130  and generate an output voltage to power one or more of the components of the control circuitry  232 . The output voltage may be lower than the input voltage. The light emitting diode may be configured to provide user feedback and report operating errors. 
     The microcontroller may include one or more processors, memory, programmable inputs and outputs, timers, clocks, serial ports, analog to digital converters, digital to analog converters, pulse width modulation blocks, and interrupt controllers. The microcontroller may execute program instructions for controlling the motor  224 . The motor controller may support one or more input voltages (or a range of input voltages) and be configured to power the motor  224 . For example, the microcontroller may control the motor controller to operate the motor  224 . In some cases, the control circuitry  232  may receive data over the wire  130 . The communication transceiver may be configured to translate the received data to a format, language, or arrangement suitable for operation of the control circuitry  232 . For example, the control circuitry  232  may receive a command to shift, calibrate, or perform another task with the electronic cable puller  124 . The controller  128 , a shift control, or another device may generate the data or command. 
       FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    show perspective views of examples of the control circuitry  232  of the electronic cable puller  124 . The control circuitry  232  may include a substrate  901  and one or more processors  903 , antennae  905 , hall effect sensors  907 , communication transceivers, input voltage detection circuits, voltage converters, light emitting diodes, microcontrollers, and motor controllers. The Hall Effect sensors  907  may be disposed apart from one another. The control circuitry  232  may be disposed on a substrate  901 . The substrate  901  may be a printed circuit board. Various components of the control circuitry  232  may be mounted on the substrate  901 . For example, a processor  903 , antenna  905 , and one or more hall effect sensors  907  may be mounted on the substrate  901 . Additionally or alternatively, the control circuitry  232  may include one or more attachment features  909 . The attachment features  909  may be holes through the substrate  901 . The attachment features  909  may attach the control circuitry  232  to the housing of the electronic cable puller  124 . 
       FIGS. 10 a -10 c    show a side view of an example of an electronic cable puller (e.g., the electronic cable puller  124 ) with a carriage (e.g., the carriage  230 ) in different positions.  FIG. 10 a    shows the carriage  230  in an extended position,  FIG. 10 b    shows the carriage  230  in an intermediate position, and  FIG. 10 c    shows the carriage  230  in a retracted position within the housing  200 . 
     The electronic cable puller  124  may have a communications portion  1000 , a mechanical portion  1002 , and a cable attachment portion  1004 . The communications portion  1000  may include the wire  130 , the control circuitry  232 , and the first end of the housing  210 . A part of the base  202  of the housing  200  may extend into the communications portion  1000 . The mechanical portion  1002  may include the motor  224 , the advancement element  228 , and the carriage  230 . Portions of the shift cable  126  and the base  202  of the housing  200  may extend into the mechanical portion  1002 . The cable attachment portion  1004  may include the end plate  208 , the adjuster  216 , and the second end  214  of the housing  200 . Portions of the shift cable  126  and the base  202  of the housing  200  may extend into the cable attachment portion  1004 . A sheath  218  of the shift cable  126  may terminate in the cable attachment portion. 
     Rotation of the advancement element  228  may cause the carriage  230  to translate from the extended position to the retracted position, from the retracted position to the extended position, or to or from any intermediate position between the extended position and the retracted position. The carriage  230  may translate through the mechanical portion  1002 . In some cases, a distance between the extended position and the retracted position may lie in a range of 5 millimeters to 120 millimeters. For example, the distance between the positions may be 40 millimeters. Other distances may be provided. 
     When the carriage  230  translates in a direction toward the second end  214  of the housing  200 , the shift cable  126  may be pulled out of the housing  200 . For example, the rear derailleur  132  or another component may apply tension to the shift cable  126 . Translation of the carriage  230  toward the second end  214  of the housing  200  may allow the rear derailleur  132  or another component to pull the shift cable  126  out of the housing  200 . 
     When the carriage translates in a direction away from the second end  214  of the housing  200  and towards the first end  210  of the housing  200 , the carriage  230  may pull the shift cable  126  into the housing  200 . Tension on the shift cable  126  provided by the rear derailleur  132 , the sheath  218 , or another component may remove any slack in the shift cable  126  inside the housing  200 . 
     As the carriage  230  translates from one position to another, the internal extent (e.g., a length) of the shift cable  126  inside the housing  200  may change, thereby changing an extent (e.g., a length) of the shift cable  126  outside of the housing  200 . The change in the extent of the shift cable  126  outside of the housing  200  may cause the rear derailleur  132  to select or change a gear on the rear cassette  122 . 
     The control circuitry  232  may cause the motor  224  to rotate a preset amount, resulting in a predetermined translation of the carriage  230 . For example, to shift up or down a gear, the control circuitry  232  may cause the motor  224  to rotate and move the carriage  230  five millimeters closer or further from the end plate  208 . In this way, a shift is executed relative to a current position of the carriage  230 . The absolute position of the carriage  230  within the housing  200  may not be known at all times. 
     In a process known as homing, based on instructions from, for example, the controller  128 , the carriage  230  may move to the extended position or the retracted position. Though a gear may be shifted relative to a current position of the carriage  230 , identifying the currently selected gear may require knowing the position of the carriage  230  within the housing  200 . Moving the carriage  230  to the extended position or the retracted position and monitoring the rotation of the motor  224  (e.g., using the feedback magnet  404 ) performed to move the carriage to either position may allow for the current position of the carriage  230  and the currently selected gear to be determined. For example, the extent of translation of the carriage  230  within the housing  200 , the number of gears in the rear cassette  122 , the number of rotations of the motor  224  required to cause the carriage  230  to translate from the extended position to the retracted position (or vice-versa), or the number of rotations of the motor  224  necessary to execute a gear shift, or any combination thereof may be known, while the current position of the carriage  230  may be unknown. 
     The carriage  230  may be homed (e.g., translated or caused to be moved by rotation of the motor  224  and the advancement element  228 ) to either the extended position or the retracted position, and the number of rotations or amount of rotation of the motor  224  may be measured during homing using, for example, the feedback magnet  404  and the Hall Effect sensors on the control circuitry  232 . For example, the number of rotations required to home the carriage  230  divided by the total number of rotations required to cause the carriage  230  to traverse between the extended position and the retracted position may correspond to the current gear number divided the total number of gears. For example, where the number of rotations required to home the carriage  230  is half of the total rotations required for the carriage  230  to traverse between the extended position and the retracted position and where the rear cassette  122  has 12 gears, the current position of the carriage  230  may correspond to gear 7 on the rear cassette  122 . In another example, where the number of rotations required to home the carriage  230  to the extended position (e.g. shown in  FIG. 10 a   ) is one twelfth of the of the total rotations, and where the rear cassette  122  has 12 gears, the current position of the carriage  230  may correspond to gear 2 on the rear cassette  122 . In a further example, where the carriage  230  is already at or near the extended position or the retracted position prior to homing (e.g., the motor  224  does not rotate or rotates less than the number of rotations for a single gear change) and where the rear cassette  122  has 12 gears, the current position of the carriage  230  may correspond to gear 1 or gear 12, respectively, on the rear cassette  122 . Once the currently selected gear or current position of the carriage  230  is determined by homing, the control circuitry  232  may determine a newly selected gear after a gear change by incrementing or decrementing the determined selected gear. In a further example, the position of the carriage  230  may be measured directly. 
     When the amount of rotation of the motor  224  required to home the carriage  230  to either the extended position or the retracted position is recorded, the carriage  230  may then be returned to a previous position by controlling the motor  224  to rotate in an opposite direction the same amount of rotation. In some cases, the motor  224  may rotate quickly so that the carriage  230  is homed and returned to a current position before the rear derailleur  132  may change a gear. In this way, the carriage  230  may be homed without changing gears. 
     Homing may be performed in response to a signal from the e-bike controller  128 . For example, the e-bike controller  128  may send a query command to the electronic cable puller  124  via the wire  130  requesting the electronic cable puller  124  return the current gear. The control circuitry  232  of the electronic cable puller may home the carriage  230 , determine the current gear of the rear derailleur  132 , and send a signal via the wire  130  to the controller  128  indicating the current gear. The e-bike controller  128  may receive the current gear and display the current gear. For example, the controller  128  may send a signal to display the current gear on a head unit or the shift control  1100  of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a view of a shift control  1100  for a bicycle, such as the bicycle  100  of  FIG. 1 . The shift control  1100  may be supported by a handlebar  104  of the bicycle  100 . The shift control  1100  may include a first button  1102  and a second button  1104 . A user may actuate the shift control  1100  to send a signal  1106  to the electronic cable puller  124  to change gears. For example, the user may press one of the buttons  1102 ,  1104  to change gears. Additionally or alternatively, the shift control  1100  may send the gear change signal  1106  to the electronic cable puller  124  without user input. For example, in response to a sensed change in terrain or heading, the shift control  1100  may automatically send a signal  1106  to the electronic cable puller  124  to change gears. In some cases, the shift control  1100  may be part of or in communication with a controller  128  of an e-bike. The shift control  1100  may send a gear change signal  1106  to the e-bike controller  128  which may send a signal to the electronic cable puller  124  via the wire  130  to change gears. 
     The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. 
     While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination. 
     Similarly, while operations and/or acts are depicted in the drawings and described herein in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that any described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. 
     One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, are apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter. 
     It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.