Adjustable Switch Units for Human-Powered Vehicle Operating Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing human-powered vehicle operating devices lack an efficient arrangement of switches around the tubular parts, leading to user-friendliness issues and increased manufacturing costs due to non-identical switch configurations and limited adjustability.
Innovation Solution
The operating device features a base structure with adjustable switch units, where the first and second switch units are positioned relative to each other based on specific distance and orientation relationships, allowing for identical or similar orientations and adjustable positions to enhance user accessibility and reduce manufacturing complexity by using identical switch base and switch shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If switch units are arranged around the tubular part with different orientations to accommodate various operating positions, then user-friendliness is improved, but device complexity increases due to non-identical switch configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the switch units to be adjusted to different angular positions around the tubular part. The mounting structure enables the switch units to be rotated to various orientations while maintaining identical physical configurations, thus achieving user-friendliness through positional flexibility without increasing device complexity through non-identical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the switch units adjustable and movable relative to the tubular part. The mounting mechanism allows the switch units to be dynamically repositioned to different angular locations, enabling the system to adapt to user preferences while maintaining standardized switch unit designs.
2Ease of operation
If non-identical switch configurations are used to optimize arrangement around the tubular part, then accessibility is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing identical switch units that can serve multiple functions at different positions around the tubular part. Each switch unit has the same structure and can be mounted at various angular locations, allowing a single standardized component design to fulfill multiple operational requirements, thereby improving accessibility without increasing manufacturing costs through component differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by maintaining identical switch unit configurations while changing their angular positions around the tubular part. This approach allows the same standardized components to be arranged in different configurations to optimize accessibility, avoiding the need for custom-designed switch units for each position and thus reducing manufacturing costs.
3Device complexity
If switch units are fixed in specific positions for efficient arrangement, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different user preferences decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by designing the mounting structure to allow switch units to be adjusted to different angular positions around the tubular part. The mounting mechanism includes features that enable the switch units to be rotated and repositioned, providing adaptability to different user preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through standardized mounting interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a base structure, a first switch unit, and a second switch unit. The base structure defines a mounting axis. The first switch unit comprises a first switch base member, a first switch, and a first point. The first point is closest to the mounting axis along a first direction parallel to a first pivot axis. The second switch unit comprises a second switch base member, a second switch, and a second point. The second point is closest to the mounting axis along a second direction parallel to a second pivot axis. A second minimum distance is longer than a first minimum distance. A third minimum distance is longer than a fourth minimum distance.