Bicycle Manual Control Device With Decoupled Switch Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices suffer from involuntary actuation due to short switch strokes and poor perceivability of manual actuation movements, leading to potential misactivation during vibrations or small hand movements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a de-coupling mechanism between the manual actuation member and the switch, allowing a larger perceivable movement of the actuation member, and featuring a sliding seat with a gap to decouple during a portion of the stroke, coupled with a spring to manage actuation load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a short switch stroke is used, then the device compactness is improved, but the perceivability of actuation and reliability against involuntary actuation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A de-coupling mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the manual actuation member and the switch. This mechanism includes a sliding seat with a gap that allows the actuation member to move independently during the first portion of its stroke, preventing direct transmission of small oscillations to the switch while still enabling reliable actuation when the gap is closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation stroke is segmented into two distinct portions: a first portion where the de-coupling mechanism allows independent movement of the actuation member (absorbing oscillations), and a second portion where the gap is closed and direct coupling occurs for reliable switch actuation. This segmentation allows the system to handle both perceivability and reliability requirements.
2Device complexity
If the manual actuation member is directly coupled to the switch, then the device complexity is reduced, but the perceivability of actuation movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding seat with gap serves as a simple intermediary mechanism that provides tactile feedback to the user. When the user moves the actuation member, they can feel the gap closing, which gives clear perceivability of actuation without requiring a complex mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the switch stroke is made longer, then the perceivability of actuation is improved, but the device compactness and risk of involuntary actuation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The de-coupling mechanism allows the actuation member to have a longer effective stroke for user perceivability while the actual switch stroke remains short. The sliding seat with gap absorbs the excess movement, preventing it from being transmitted to the switch and causing involuntary actuation.
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
Enhances perceivability and reduces involuntary actuation by allowing a noticeable and controlled actuation stroke, improving tactile feedback and preventing accidental switch activation.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a sliding seat with a gap to decouple during a portion of the stroke, coupled with a spring to manage actuation load
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
An electronic control device for a bicycle, comprising a support body configured for attachment to the bicycle handlebars, a push-operated switch (90, 91), and a manual actuation member (10, 11) actuatable for switching the switch (90, 91) in order to issue a command, comprises a de-coupling mechanism operatively interposed between the manual actuation member and the switch (90, 91) and effective to de-couple the manual actuation member (10, 11) from the switch (90, 91) during a first portion of the actuation stroke of the manual actuation member (10, 11).