Adjustable Bar-End Gearshift Actuation for Hand Position

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bar-end bicycle gearshift actuation devices do not allow cyclists to maintain an optimal hand position during gear shifting, affecting aerodynamics and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable actuation device with a neutral position that can be customized to fit individual cyclists' preferences, featuring a lever with tapered sections and concave pressing areas to facilitate gear shifting without altering the hand position significantly, combined with electric actuation for minimal hand movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed neutral position is used for the actuation part, then the device structure is simple, but the cyclist cannot maintain an optimal hand position during gear shifting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of gear shiftingVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation part is made adjustable in its neutral position, transforming a static fixed-position mechanism into a dynamic configurable one. This allows the cyclist to optimize the hand position for aerodynamics and comfort while maintaining the simplicity of the overall device structure through a straightforward adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the actuation part requires significant hand movement for gear shifting, then the gear shifting command is clear, but the cyclist must alter hand position affecting aerodynamics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegear shifting commandVSAvoidaerodynamic efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The neutral position parameter of the actuation part is made variable and adjustable, allowing optimization of the hand position to minimize aerodynamic drag. The adjustment mechanism enables cyclists to set the optimal neutral position that maintains aerodynamic efficiency while ensuring reliable gear shifting commands through the lever's mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the actuation part is fixed without adjustment capability, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different cyclists is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to cyclistsVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuation part incorporates an adjustment mechanism that transforms a static, universally-fitted component into a dynamic, customizable one. This enables adaptation to different cyclists' hand positions and preferences while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a straightforward adjustment design that doesn't require complex customization for each user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9823681B2Actuation device of a bar-end bicycle gearshift

Publication Date: 2017.11.21 CAMPAGNOLO SRL

AI summary

An actuation device for bar-end bicycle gearshift comprises a mount adapted to be mounted to the end of handlebars facing forwards in the direction of travel. An actuation part is mounted on the mount in a neutral position with respect to the mount when no gearshifting is commanded. An adjuster is provided for adjusting the neutral position of the actuation part with respect to the mount. A cyclist can adjust the neutral position based on personal physical characteristics and preferences.