Bicycle Control Device Nested Pivot Axle Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices often have a cluttered arrangement of operating levers, which can be inconvenient for riders, especially on drop-type handlebars, as they require separate levers for shifting and braking operations, leading to a less ergonomic and more complex control interface.
Innovation Solution
A compact bicycle control device design featuring a first lever for both braking and shifting operations, and a second lever for shifting, with a unique pivot axle arrangement where the second pivot axle is disposed inside the first pivot axle, allowing for a more streamlined and ergonomic layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate levers are used for shifting and braking operations, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and clutter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first operating lever for braking and the second operating lever for shifting into a single integrated lever structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining the distinct functional capabilities of both braking and shifting operations through a unified control interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated operating lever is designed to perform multiple functions: it can execute braking operations when pivoted about the first pivot axis, and perform shifting operations when pivoted about the second pivot axis. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated levers, reducing clutter while preserving functional reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating levers are provided for shifting and braking, then functional versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cluttered arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control functions into a single integrated lever with multiple pivot capabilities, the design eliminates the cluttered arrangement of separate levers. The unified structure improves ease of operation by providing a cleaner, more intuitive control interface while maintaining functional versatility through the lever's ability to perform both braking and shifting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested pivot axis arrangement where the second pivot axis is positioned within the first pivot axis. This nesting configuration allows the lever to access multiple rotational degrees of freedom and perform diverse functions while maintaining a compact, non-cluttered physical footprint that improves ease of operation.
3Reliability
If separate pivot axes are used for first and second levers, then functional independence is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested pivot axis configuration where the second pivot axis is disposed within the first pivot axis. This nesting arrangement allows the system to maintain functionally independent pivot points for braking and shifting operations while reducing the overall structural complexity and space requirements compared to having completely separate, externally mounted pivot axes.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A bicycle control device (12) is provided with a bracket (24), a first lever (26)and a second lever (28). The first lever (26) is pivotally mounted to the bracket (24) member on a first pivot axle (50) for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis defined by the first pivot axle (50). The second lever (28) is pivotally mounted to the bracket member (24) on a second pivot axle (52) for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis defined by the second pivot axle (52). The second pivot axle (52) is disposed inside the first pivot axle (50).