Bicycle Control Actuator Layout for Two Grip Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cyclists with small hands face difficulty in actuating bicycle gearshift actuators due to suboptimal maneuverability, often requiring them to momentarily release their grip during operation, especially in competitive conditions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated bicycle control with two distinct pressure zones on the actuator, oriented differently to facilitate actuation from specific grip positions, allowing thumb-based operation without altering hand position, and featuring a protective projection for accidental prevention and impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuator is designed with a single pressure zone, then the structure is simple, but the maneuverability for cyclists with small hands or in certain grip positions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is segmented into two distinct pressure zones (first and second pressure zones) with different orientations. The first pressure zone is oriented to receive pressure from a thumb reaching from a first direction, while the second pressure zone is oriented to receive pressure from a thumb reaching from a second direction. This segmentation allows the actuator to be effectively operated from multiple grip positions without requiring structural complexity beyond the dual-zone design.
2Reliability
If the cyclist maintains a firm grip on the handlebar during difficult riding conditions, then safety is improved, but the ability to actuate the actuator is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed with universal accessibility through its two pressure zones, allowing it to be actuated effectively whether the cyclist is gripping the handlebar in a high position or a low position. This multi-functionality ensures that the actuator can be operated safely and effectively across various riding conditions and grip styles, maintaining both safety and operational capability.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator is positioned for optimal access from one grip position, then maneuverability from that position is improved, but maneuverability from other positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the actuator are assigned different functional qualities through the two pressure zones. The first pressure zone is optimized for access from a first direction (e.g., high grip position), while the second pressure zone is optimized for access from a second direction (e.g., low grip position). This local differentiation of quality allows the actuator to be effectively operated from multiple grip positions, each with its own optimized pressure zone.
Data Source
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AI summary
The integrated control comprises: - a control body (11), - a rear abutment zone (12) of the control body (11), intended to be in contact with the handlebar (M) when the control is mounted on the handlebar (M), - a brake lever (18) pivoted to the control body (11) according to a pivot axis (X) transverse to the control body (11), spaced from the rear abutment zone (12), - a switch (32) for sending an electrical signal to an electronic device, - an actuator (20) placed on a flank (14) of the control body (11), between the rear abutment zone (12) and the transverse pivot axis (X), mounted movable angularly on the control body (11) so as to be able to transfer a pressure to the switch (32). The actuator (20) comprises two distinct pressure zones (41, 42), oriented differently, so as to facilitate the actuation of the actuator (20) by a thumb of a cyclist when he/she grips the handlebar (M) in two different positions.