Bicycle Control Device Modular Handrest Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices cause discomfort and efficiency loss due to the proximity of the derailleur actuation lever to the handlebar, especially for cyclists with larger hands, leading to accidental contact and reduced grip comfort.
Innovation Solution
A modular control device comprising a first body associated with the bicycle handlebar and a second body that can be selectively attached to adapt the device to the cyclist's hand size, increasing the handrest surface and adjusting the positioning of control members, including a derailleur and brake lever, to prevent accidental contact and enhance grip comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a derailleur actuation lever is arranged behind the brake lever on the support body, then the control device can actuate multiple bicycle components, but the space between the derailleur lever and handlebar becomes very small causing accidental contact
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is divided into a first body and a second body that can be selectively associated. The second body can be positioned in different locations relative to the first body, allowing the derailleur lever to be arranged in different spatial configurations. This segmentation enables versatile component control while preventing accidental contact by distributing controls across different spatial zones.
2Ease of operation
If the support body is shaped to make it easier to grip in racing situations, then grip comfort is improved, but the derailleur lever may knock against the cyclist's fingers causing discomfort and efficiency loss
Solution Approach 1:
The second body is made movable relative to the first body, allowing dynamic adjustment of the support body configuration. The cyclist can reposition the second body to optimize the spatial relationship between the derailleur lever and their fingers, maintaining comfortable grip while preventing accidental contact through adaptive positioning.
3Area of stationary object
If the support body is designed for cyclists with large hands, then handrest surface is increased, but the space between the derailleur lever and handlebar becomes smaller increasing accidental contact risk
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the problem from a two-dimensional constraint to a three-dimensional solution by allowing the second body to be positioned at different locations along the longitudinal axis of the support body. This dimensional freedom enables large handrest surface area while maintaining sufficient clearance between the derailleur lever and handlebar by utilizing the third dimension for spatial separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a bicycle, has a first body adapted to be attached to a bicycle handlebar, at least one control member of at least one bicycle component, and a second body, distinct from the first body, connected to the first body to increase a grip surface of the control device and/or to vary the relative position of the at least one control member with respect to the handlebar of the bicycle, so as to adapt the control device to the size of the cyclist's hand.