Bicycle Brake Lever With Integrated Wireless Unit

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bicycle control devices face challenges in integrating wireless communication or notification units without increasing the size of the attachment member, which can compromise the rider's grip and operational feel.

Innovation Solution

The control device incorporates a wireless communication unit or notification unit on the brake operating member, which pivots about a first axis, allowing these features to be added without enlarging the attachment member, and includes a gear shift operating member that pivots about a second axis to differentiate the feel of brake and gear shift operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wireless communication unit or notification unit is disposed on the attachment member, then communication and notification functions are provided, but the size of the attachment member increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is divided into separate functional components: the attachment member for gripping, the brake operating member for brake control, and the gear shift operating member for gear shifting. The wireless communication unit and notification unit are integrated into the brake operating member, separating them from the attachment member to avoid increasing its size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The brake operating member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a brake control mechanism and a mounting platform for the wireless communication unit and notification unit. This multi-functionality allows communication features to be added without requiring separate space on the attachment member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the attachment member size is increased to accommodate wireless communication or notification units, then communication functions are provided, but the rider's grip comfort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the control device into distinct components, the wireless communication unit is placed on the brake operating member rather than the attachment member, preserving the attachment member's original size and grip comfort characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the brake operating member and gear shift operating member share the same pivot axis, then device complexity is reduced, but the differentiation of operating feel between brake and gear shift operations is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brake operating member and gear shift operating member are designed with asymmetric pivot axes (first axis and second axis respectively). This asymmetry creates distinct geometric relationships and mechanical characteristics for each operating member, providing riders with different tactile feedback and operating feels that help differentiate between brake and gear shift operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS10065702B2Control device

Publication Date: 2018.09.04

AI summary

A control device is configured to be installed on a handlebar of a bicycle and configured to operate a brake device on the bicycle. The control device basically includes a bicycle attachment member, a brake operating member and at least one of a wireless communication unit and a notification unit. The brake operating member is pivotally coupled to the attachment member to pivot about a first axis. The least one of the wireless communication unit and the notification unit is disposed on the brake operating member.