Bicycle Shift Control Lever Layout for More Ergonomic Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle operating apparatuses lack design freedom for the operating component, limiting the number of operating options and ergonomic comfort.

Innovation Solution

The bicycle operating apparatus includes a carrier element with a housing containing an electronic circuit arrangement and two pivotable operating elements, each connected to switches, allowing for independent and combined actuations to control multiple bicycle functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If an integrally formed plastics component is used for the operating component, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but design freedom and number of operating options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing 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 and second operating element) that can be independently designed and manufactured. Each element can be optimized for specific functions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidnumber of operating options

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operating component with multiple separate operating elements is designed to control up to six different bicycle functions. Each operating element can independently actuate different switches, enabling a single component to perform multiple control functions without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating elements are designed to be pivotable about an operating axis and can be deflected in different directions (first direction and second direction opposite to the first). This dynamic capability allows each operating element to trigger different switches based on its deflection direction, multiplying the control functions available from each physical element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If operating elements are positioned closely together, then space utilization is improved, but the risk of finger entrapment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidfinger entrapment risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The design proactively addresses the finger entrapment risk by configuring the operating elements and their deflection paths to prevent finger pinching. The separate operating elements are positioned and oriented such that their movement zones do not create dangerous pinching points, even though they are integrated in a compact housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Volume of stationary object

If multiple switches are integrated in one housing, then device compactness is improved, but switch actuation precision may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehousing compactnessVSAvoidswitch actuation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each operating element is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its intended switch actuation. The first operating element is configured for actuating the first switch, while the second operating element is configured for actuating the second switch, allowing each to be optimized for its specific function despite the compact integrated housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12337920B2Bicycle operating apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 SRAM

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.