Bicycle Hydraulic Brake Lever Ergonomic Protuberance Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual control devices for bicycles, particularly those with hydraulic systems, often fail to provide adequate ergonomic support, leading to slippage of the hand during use and inability to actuate controls effectively in various riding positions.
Innovation Solution
A manual control device with a support body featuring a protuberance that can be gripped, where the angle between the hydraulic cylinder axis and the upper surface is between 70° and 118°, and the height of the protuberance is between 38 and 64 mm, allowing secure grip and actuation in multiple travel conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hydraulic cylinder axis is positioned at a specific angle relative to the upper surface, then the ergonomic support is improved and hand slippage is prevented, but the device complexity increases due to precise angular requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by specifying a precise angular range (70°-118°) for the hydraulic cylinder axis relative to the upper surface. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by establishing clear design criteria that improve ergonomics while providing manufacturing guidance, thus reducing actual complexity despite the angular requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures equipotentiality by positioning the hydraulic cylinder axis at an angle that creates optimal contact between the cyclist's hand and the control device. This angular configuration ensures consistent and reliable hand grip across different riding positions, making the control device equally effective in various operational contexts.
2Ease of operation
If the protuberance height is increased to prevent hand slippage, then the ergonomic support is improved, but the available space for hydraulic components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by optimizing the protuberance height within a specific range (38-64 mm) rather than maximizing it. This controlled dimensional approach ensures sufficient hand grip surface while preserving vertical space for hydraulic components, resolving the contradiction through balanced spatial utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a protuberance with specific dimensional characteristics (38-64 mm height) that provides localized ergonomic support where needed, while the rest of the housing maintains its structural integrity and component space. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between hand grip security and component accommodation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control device is designed for multiple travel conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a control device with a protuberance and hydraulic cylinder arrangement that serves multiple functions: it provides hand grip support, enables actuation of hydraulic controls, and maintains effectiveness across different riding positions. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by achieving adaptability through a unified structural solution rather than multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
A manual control device having a support body extending longitudinally from a first part configured for fixing to bicycle handlebars to a second part generally opposite the first part; there being generally defined on the support body a rear surface on the first part for fixing to the handlebars, a front surface on the second part, an upper surface, a bottom surface, a proximal side surface and a distal side surface. The support body has a protuberance and a seat for a hydraulic assembly comprising a hydraulic cylinder defining a cylinder axis. An angle (ALFA), defined, in a section through a substantially middle longitudinal plane of the manual control device, between (i) a tangent to the upper surface of the support body in a region not involved in the protuberance and (ii) the axis (C) of the hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic assembly is between 70° and 118°.