Bicycle Bracket Integrating Hydraulic Brake and Electric Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle component control devices often have a complex configuration that makes it difficult to integrate both hydraulic brake and electric control units effectively, leading to a cumbersome and less efficient operation for riders.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle component control device with a bracket that supports both a mechanical shifting unit and a hydraulic brake unit, along with an electric control unit, where the hydraulic brake unit has a piston member that moves towards a mounting surface in response to an operating member, and the electric control unit is integrated with the bracket or operating member to operate bicycle electric devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both hydraulic brake unit and electric control unit are integrated into the bracket, then the control device can perform both braking and electric functions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic brake unit and electric control unit into a single bracket assembly, allowing both braking and electric device control functions to be integrated in one location. This merging approach enables the rider to operate both functions from a centralized control point, improving versatility while managing complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed as a multi-functional support structure that accommodates both the hydraulic brake unit and electric control unit. This universal design allows a single component (the bracket) to serve multiple purposes: supporting braking operations and controlling electric devices, thereby reducing the need for separate control mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the piston member is positioned rearward of the pivot axis, then the hydraulic brake unit can be effectively operated, but the space arrangement becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the piston member rearward of the pivot axis, utilizing the depth dimension of the bracket rather than only the lateral dimension. This spatial arrangement allows the hydraulic brake unit to be effectively operated while maintaining a compact lateral footprint, thereby optimizing the use of available space within the bracket assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration simplifies the operation of both hydraulic brake and electric control functions, enhancing the overall control and efficiency of bicycle components, providing a more streamlined and effective control mechanism for riders.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic brake unit has a piston member that is moved toward the mounting surface in response to operation of the operating member
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle component control device includes a bracket, a hydraulic brake unit and either a mechanical shifting unit or electric control unit. The bracket has a gripping portion. The hydraulic brake unit is operatively mounted on the bracket and configured to operate a hydraulic brake device. The mechanical shifting unit or the electric control unit is operatively mounted on the bracket and configured to operate a bicycle device.