Bicycle Control Lever Architecture for Multi-Function Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle operating apparatuses lack design freedom and versatility in their operating components, limiting the number of functions that can be controlled and the ease of operation.

Innovation Solution

The bicycle operating apparatus features a pivotable operating component with two separate operating elements that can be deflected independently or together to actuate different switches, allowing for the control of multiple bicycle functions with a compact and ergonomic design, including a housing with an electronic circuit arrangement and a fastening device for attachment to the handlebar.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an integrally formed plastics component is used as the operating component, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the design freedom and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoiddesign freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operating component is divided into multiple separate elements (first operating element, second operating element, and third operating element) that can be independently designed and manufactured. Each element can be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall integration through mounting on a common carrier element, thus achieving both manufacturing simplicity and design freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a single operating component is used, then the device structure is simple, but the number of controllable functions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidnumber of controllable functions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operating component comprises multiple operating elements (first, second, and third operating elements) that can independently actuate different switches (first switch, second switch, and optionally third switch). This multi-functional design allows a single operating component to control up to six bicycle functions through combinations of switch actuations, achieving versatility without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If operating elements are arranged closely together, then the apparatus is compact, but the risk of finger entrapment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus compactnessVSAvoidfinger entrapment risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operating elements are arranged asymmetrically on the carrier element with deliberate spacing between them. The first, second, and third operating elements are positioned to allow sufficient clearance for finger operation while maintaining a compact overall footprint. This asymmetric arrangement with controlled spacing reduces the risk of finger entrapment while preserving compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switches are actuated by a single operating component, then the control versatility increases, but the ease of operation may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol versatilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Each operating element (first, second, and third) is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its intended function. The operating elements can be shaped, sized, and positioned to match the ergonomic requirements of different finger operations. This localized optimization allows each element to be easily actuated while collectively providing versatile control over multiple bicycle functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11091216B2Bicycle operating apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.08.17 SRAM
  • US11091216B2 patent drawing
  • US11091216B2 patent drawing
  • US11091216B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bicycle operating apparatus includes a carrier element having fastening device for fixing the apparatus to the handlebar; a housing, on the carrier element, having an electronic circuit arrangement in the housing; a first and a second switch, each connected to the electronic circuit arrangement, are on the housing; and an operating component mounted on the carrier element pivotable about an operating axis preloaded into a neutral position, the operating component deflected out of the neutral position in a first direction of rotation about the operating axis to actuate the first switch, and deflected out of the neutral position in a second direction opposite to the first direction to actuate the second switch, where the operating component includes a first operating element and a second operating element that are formed separately from one another in one piece and are mounted on the carrier element pivotable about the operating axis.