Bicycle Control Device Short Shifting Action
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices often require a longer operating action for shifting, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially for riders seeking a more streamlined shifting mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle control device comprising a base member, a positioning member, a positioning pawl, and a wire takeup member, where the positioning member and pawl are pivotally mounted to engage with a wire takeup member, allowing for a short operating action to effectively shift gears through a dual-function lever that combines braking and shifting operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional bicycle shifter mechanism is used, then the shifting function is reliable, but the operating action is long and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning pawl is nested within the positioning member, with the pawl pivotally mounted inside the positioning member's body. This nesting arrangement allows the positioning mechanism to occupy minimal space while maintaining its function of engaging with the wire takeup member's positioning abutment, thereby reducing the overall operating action length without compromising structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the wire takeup member radially outwardly from the positioning abutment and pawl pivot axis, creating a radial dimension for wire contact that is separate from the axial positioning dimension. This dimensional separation allows the shifting mechanism to achieve short operating action by utilizing radial wire takeup rather than axial movement, effectively solving the contradiction between compact operation and mechanical complexity
2Ease of operation
If the wire takeup member is positioned radially outwardly, then the operating action is shortened, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function and wire takeup function into a single integrated wire takeup member structure. The positioning abutment and wire contact surface are both features of the same component, which is pivotally mounted on the base member. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity even as the radial positioning enables shorter operating action
Solution Approach 2:
The wire takeup member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the positioning element (through its positioning abutment that engages the pawl) and the wire transmission element (through its radially outward wire contact surface). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, limiting structural complexity increase while enabling the shortened operating action through radial wire takeup geometry
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a positioning member, a positioning pawl and a wire takeup member. The positioning member pivots relative to the base member about a pivot axis. The positioning pawl is pivotally mounted about a positioning pawl pivot axis to operatively engage at least one positioning abutment of the positioning member. The wire takeup member pivots relative to the base member about the pivot axis. The wire takeup member has a proximal end portion pivotally mounted about the pivot axis and a distal end portion with an inner wire contact surface. The inner wire contact surface is located radially outwardly from the at least one positioning abutment and the positioning pawl pivot axis with respect to the pivot axis.