Bicycle Control Device Nested in Handlebar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle control devices protrude from the handlebar, increasing wind resistance and clutter, and are not ergonomically efficient for rider operation.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a plugged portion inserted into the handlebar and a holding portion outside, featuring an electronic module with switches and input members that can be actuated in a direction parallel to the handlebar's surface, reducing exposed volume and enhancing ergonomic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control portion protrudes out of the end of the handlebar, then the rider can easily operate the control device, but the appearance of the handlebar looks cluttered and wind resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is nested inside the handlebar structure. The plugged portion is received within the handlebar's opening, with only the holding portion and input members extending outward. This nesting approach reduces the protruding volume exposed to wind while keeping the control functions accessible to the rider.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device transitions from a conventional end-mounted protruding structure to a side-mounted structure that utilizes the lateral dimension of the handlebar. By disposing the control device on the side of the handlebar rather than at the end, the design reduces the frontal projected area that creates wind resistance while maintaining operational accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the control portion protrudes out of the end of the handlebar, then the input members are accessible, but the handlebar appearance becomes cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is nested within the handlebar's structural opening, with the plugged portion recessed inside and only the essential input members extending to the exterior. This creates a cleaner, more integrated appearance while preserving full input member functionality and accessibility for the rider.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts only the essential input members from the control portion, leaving the bulk of the control device nested inside the handlebar. This selective extraction maintains the necessary operational interfaces while removing the visual clutter of a fully protruding control assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If the operating direction is perpendicular to the surface of the electronic module, then the switch actuation is straightforward, but the rider must exert more effort and it is less ergonomic
Solution Approach 1:
The operating direction of the input members is changed from a perpendicular orientation to the electronic module surface to an angled orientation that aligns with the rider's natural finger pressing direction. This parameter change in the input member geometry allows actuation forces to be applied more ergonomically, reducing the effort required while still effectively actuating the switches through the angled transmission mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device for a bicycle is disposed on a handlebar and includes a body, an electronic module, at least one switch, and at least one input member. The body includes a plugged portion and a holding portion. The plugged portion is disposed inside the handlebar via an opening of the handlebar. The holding portion is connected to the plugged portion and is disposed outside the opening. The electronic module is disposed in the plugged portion and has at least one surface. The switch is disposed on the surface of the electronic module to selectively control the electronic module to send an electronic signal. The input member is disposed on the holding portion and extends into the plugged portion and moves in an operating direction to actuate the switch. The operating direction is not perpendicular to the surface and a longitudinal axis direction of the plugged portion.