Adjustable Shift Actuator for Bicycle Control Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control systems have non-adjustable shift lever stroke lengths, making it difficult for riders to fully actuate the lever and optimize their shift stroke for their riding style, which can be a problem in competitive situations or during bumpy riding conditions.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle control system with an adjustable shift actuator that can be moved relative to the brake lever or shift lever to adjust the distance between the at-rest position and the shift actuating position, allowing riders to customize their shift stroke.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shift lever stroke length is made fixed, then the control system structure is simple, but riders cannot optimize the shift stroke for their riding style
Solution Approach 1:
The shift actuator is made adjustable in position relative to the brake lever or shift lever, allowing the shift stroke length to be dynamically modified. The actuator can be positioned at different locations along the lever assembly, enabling riders to optimize the stroke length for their specific riding style while maintaining a relatively simple overall control system structure.
2Reliability
If the shift stroke is made longer, then inadvertent shifting is reduced, but shift time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable shift actuator allows riders to dynamically set the optimal stroke length. Riders who prioritize reliability can increase the stroke length to prevent inadvertent shifting, while those who need faster shifts can decrease the stroke length. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction by allowing each rider to optimize for their specific needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical position of the shift actuator can be changed to modify the stroke length parameter. By adjusting the actuator position along the lever assembly, the distance the lever must travel to actuate the switch is changed, thereby controlling both the reliability and speed of shifting according to rider preferences.
3Reliability
If the shift lever requires larger displacement to actuate, then shifting reliability is improved, but ease of operation decreases for riders with limited hand flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable shift actuator allows riders to customize the stroke length to match their hand flexibility and riding style. Riders with limited hand flexibility can position the actuator closer to the lever pivot point, reducing the required displacement while maintaining reliable actuation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle control system includes a housing, a brake lever moveably connected to the housing between an at-rest position and a brake engaging position, and a shift lever moveably connected to the brake lever between an at-rest position and a shift actuating position. An electrical switch is disposed on one of the brake lever or the shift lever. An adjustable shift actuator is moveably coupled to the other of the brake lever or the shift lever. The shift actuator is configured to actuate the electrical switch when the shift lever is moved to the shift actuating position. The shift actuator is adjustably moveable relative to the other of the brake lever or the shift lever so as to adjust the distance between the at-rest position and the shift actuating position.