Bicycle Derailleur Control Device with Rotatable Battery Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices face challenges with battery accessibility, water ingress, and complex assembly due to small threaded fasteners and unsealed jacks, which increase costs and complicate maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle control device with a rotatable battery cover, sealed jacks, and a self-contained shift lever assembly that includes a wireless communication module, allowing for tool-free battery replacement and independent assembly of components, while preventing water ingress through epoxy sealing and strategic placement of accessory jacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple small threaded fasteners are used to attach the battery cover, then the battery cover is securely attached, but removal and reinstallation becomes difficult and requires special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded fastener system with a snap-fit mechanical system. The battery cover includes engagement protrusions that mate with corresponding recesses in the battery unit, allowing tool-free attachment and detachment while maintaining secure connection during normal use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the jacks are left open for connectivity, then remote shift control buttons can be connected, but water and contaminants can enter and damage the battery circuit board assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vulnerability of the jacks from the sealed battery unit by providing separate, removable jack covers. These covers can be removed to establish electrical connections and replaced to restore the seal, allowing connectivity while maintaining protection during storage and non-use periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies sealing elements such as gaskets or O-rings at the jack interfaces to prevent water and contaminant ingress. This proactive sealing approach cushions against the harmful effects of environmental exposure while maintaining electrical connectivity capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the battery cover seal is installed, then the battery unit is sealed against water ingress, but the seal may be compromised and water can still enter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements such as elastomeric gaskets or O-rings at the battery cover interface. These flexible membranes conform to the mating surfaces and maintain reliable seals even when subjected to thermal expansion, vibration, or minor misalignments during assembly.
4Ease of manufacture
If the electrical cable is routed through the center of the hood, then the cable can be connected, but the hood strength is compromised or assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable routing path by providing a dedicated cable access opening or channel in the hood structure. This separate pathway allows the electrical cable to be routed through the hood without compromising the overall structural integrity of the main hood body.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a bicycle has a housing configured to be mountable to the bicycle and sized and shaped to be grasped by a user's hand and a battery receptacle positioned on the housing. The housing has a base portion and an extension portion. The base portion includes first and second ends, a downward facing side, an upward facing side, an inward facing side, an outward facing side, and a handlebar clamp disposed at the first end. A battery receptacle is positioned on a first side, which can be the downward facing side, of the base portion of the housing. An accessory port can be positioned on a second side of the base portion of the housing, different from the first side, and which can be the inward or outward facing side of the base portion of the housing.