Bicycle Cable Adjustment Structure Preventing Accidental Brake Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In bicycle brake systems where the brake is positioned behind the seat tube or front fork, the in-line brake opening structure is difficult for riders to operate, leading to accidental activation and potential damage due to the cam rod extending out and being easily hit.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle cable structure with an adjustment structure comprising a main body and an operating member that maintains the adjacent ends of the outer cases spread apart, featuring a slider and cam surfaces to prevent accidental activation, allowing for secure operation and easy identification of the open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cam rod is provided in the brake opening structure to enable quick release, then the brake arms can be moved to opening position for wheel removal, but the cam rod extends out of the body member and can be accidentally hit causing unintended activation
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member is nested within the body member housing when not in use, with only a portion accessible for operation. The operating member can be inserted into and removed from the body member, allowing it to be stored in a protected position that prevents accidental activation while remaining accessible when needed for intentional operation.
2Productivity
If the brake is disposed behind the seat tube or front fork for aerodynamics, then aero performance is improved, but the brake opening structure becomes difficult for the rider to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member is designed to be movable between an extended position for operation and a retracted position for protection. This dynamic configuration allows the brake to maintain aerodynamic positioning while providing flexible access to the opening mechanism, enabling riders to operate the brake from various positions depending on the bicycle geometry and rider posture.
3Ease of operation
If the operating member is extended out of the body member for easy operation, then the rider can easily access and operate the brake opening structure, but the operating member can be accidentally hit causing the cam rod to move to opened position
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member is extracted from the body member only when needed for operation, rather than being permanently extended. This allows the operating member to be removed or retracted into the body member housing when not in use, eliminating the hazard of accidental impact while maintaining full accessibility when intentionally activated by the rider.
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
The solution securely maintains the brake arms in a ready position for engagement and allows easy wheel removal by preventing accidental activation of the brake, enhancing operational safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The operating member includes a first cam surface that is engaged by the slider and a second cam surface that is engaged by the second outer case such that the operating member converts rotation about the inner cable axis to longitudinal movement along the inner cable axis
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~5
AI summary
A bicycle cable structure is provided with an inner cable (20), a first outer case (22), a second outer case (24) and an adjustment structure (26). The first and second outer cases (22, 24) are disposed over first and second sections of the inner cable (20) and the adjustment structure (26) is disposed between adjacent ends of the first and second outer cases (22, 24). The adjustment structure (26) includes a main body (30) and an operating member (32). The operating member is movably connected to the main body by a non-slidable connection between a first position and a second position. The operating member maintains the adjacent ends of the first and second outer cases farther away from each other while the operating member is in the first position as compared to the second position of the operating member.