Bicycle Brake Lever With Segmented Shift Levers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle shift operating devices require difficult finger movements to pivot the lever outwardly, which can loosen the rider's grip on the handlebar, making it challenging to operate the brake and shift functions efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle brake and shift operating device with a mounting bracket on the handlebar, featuring a brake lever and two separate shift operating members that pivot inwardly for easy operation, coupled with electric switches for controlling the front and rear derailleurs, allowing for comfortable upshifting and downshifting without compromising the grip on the handlebar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lever member is pivoted laterally outwardly using the dorsal part of the finger, then the shift operating device can control the downshifting, but the rider's grip on the handlebar loosens
Solution Approach 1:
The shift operating device is divided into two separate lever members: a first lever member for upshifting and a second lever member for downshifting. This segmentation allows each lever to be optimized for its specific function, with the second lever member positioned and configured to be operated by the palm or lateral part of the finger while maintaining grip stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating direction of the second lever member is oriented laterally outwardly from the handlebar, perpendicular to the natural finger bending direction. This dimensional change allows the rider to use the palm or lateral part of the finger for operation, eliminating the need to hyperextend the finger and thus maintaining secure grip on the handlebar.
2Device complexity
If a single shift operating member is used for both upshifting and downshifting, then the device structure is simplified, but the operation becomes difficult and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single shift operating member is segmented into two separate lever members: a first lever member that pivots laterally inwardly for upshifting and a second lever member that pivots laterally outwardly for downshifting. This segmentation allows each lever to be operated independently with different finger motions, improving operational efficiency and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Both lever members are mounted on the same brake lever assembly and share the same mounting bracket, allowing them to be operated simultaneously or independently. This multi-functionality enables the rider to control both upshifting and downshifting from a single location without adding excessive structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle brake and shifting device comprises a mounting bracket structured to be mounted on a bicycle handlebar; a brake lever pivotably coupled to the brake bracket; a first shift operating member movably coupled to the brake lever; a second shift operating member movably coupled to the brake lever, wherein the second shift operating member is a separate member from the first shift operating member; a first electric switch operated by the first shift operating member; and a second electric switch operated by the second shift operating member.