Bicycle Control Device Mounting Assembly for Non-Standard Handlebars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bicycle control devices, such as brake and shift levers, face limitations due to their circular cross-sectional profile, which restricts handlebar shape and provides limited adjustability, leading to discomfort and reduced rigidity when mounted on non-standard handlebars.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle handlebar assembly with a central axis and opening that allows for a movable mounting assembly, enabling adjustable positioning of control devices along and around the handlebar axis, using a connector assembly with cam profiles and a cover for secure and ergonomic mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a circular clamp is used to mount control devices, then the mounting is simple and secure, but the handlebar shape is limited to circular cross-section
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a handlebar interface element that contacts the handlebar and a control device interface element that contacts the control device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling adaptation to non-circular handlebars while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector assembly acts as an intermediary between the handlebar and control device. This connector includes a handlebar interface portion that can engage with various handlebar shapes and a control device interface portion that secures the control device, thereby mediating between incompatible interfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bolt-on mounting is used, then adaptability to different handlebars is improved, but rigidity and stability deteriorate due to device movement under load
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly merges multiple mounting functions into a single integrated component. It combines the handlebar interface, positioning mechanism, and control device interface into one unit that provides both adaptability and stability simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate bolts that can loosen under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system incorporates movable components that allow for adjustment and positioning of the control device along the handlebar. This dynamic capability enables the device to be positioned optimally for different riders while maintaining secure attachment, and the design includes features to prevent movement under load.
3Ease of operation
If control devices are mounted on handlebars, then control functionality is provided, but adjustability is limited and taping becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly includes movable elements that allow the control device to be adjusted to different positions along the handlebar. This dynamic positioning capability enables riders to customize the location and orientation of control devices for optimal ergonomics and accessibility.
4Reliability
If bolts protrude from the back side of handlebars, then secure mounting is achieved, but rider comfort deteriorates due to hand interference
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the protruding bolt element from the mounting system and replaces it with a flush-mounted connector assembly. The connector is designed to sit within or flush with the handlebar surface, eliminating protruding elements that would interfere with the rider's hand while maintaining secure attachment through internal locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle control device mounting assembly for mounting a bicycle control device to a bicycle handlebar having a handlebar central axis and a handlebar opening disposed in the handlebar a distance removed from an end of the handlebar. The bicycle control device mounting assembly comprises a connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises a first connector moveable relative to the handlebar central axis within a first mounting adjustment range and a second connector moveable relative to the handlebar central axis within a second mounting adjustment range.