Bicycle Adapter Geometry for Clutter-Free Handlebar Controls

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of handlebars surrounded by multiple clamps for bicycle operating devices complicates usability, making it difficult for users to operate the devices efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle adapter with first and second attachment surfaces, where the first attachment surface is curved and attached to the outer surface of the handlebar clamp, and the second attachment surface is attached to the bicycle operating device, allowing for a more streamlined and adjustable coupling system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each operating device has its own clamp coupled to the handlebar, then the operating device can be securely mounted, but the handlebar becomes surrounded by complications and usability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple clamps into a single integrated clamp structure that can securely mount multiple operating devices simultaneously. Instead of each device having its own separate clamp, the invention uses one shared clamp with multiple attachment points, reducing handlebar clutter while maintaining secure mounting for all devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple different operating devices through standardized attachment interfaces. This multi-functional clamp serves the purpose of securing various devices (brake levers, shifters, indicators) without requiring device-specific clamp designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple clamps are used to mount operating devices, then secure mounting is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidclamp complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple separate clamp components into a single integrated clamp assembly. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to securely mount multiple operating devices through the unified clamp design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If each operating device has an independent clamp, then the device can be independently positioned, but the handlebar becomes cluttered and usability is adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple positioning functions into a single clamp structure that provides integrated adjustment mechanisms. This allows multiple operating devices to be positioned and adjusted independently while sharing the same clamp base, reducing handlebar clutter while preserving positioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12123453B2Bicycle operating device, bicycle adapter, and bicycle assembly

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 SHIMANO INC

AI summary

A bicycle adapter is configured to couple a bicycle operating device to a handlebar clamp is coupled to a handlebar. The bicycle adapter includes a first attachment surface and a second attachment surface. The first attachment surface is configured to be attached to an outer surface of the clamp. The second attachment surface is configured to be attached to the bicycle operating device. The first attachment surface has a first curved section. The second attachment surface has a second curved section that is different from the first curved section.