Bicycle Handlebar Control Device with Raised Protuberance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated control devices for bicycles often have control members for different actuator devices, such as brakes and gearshifts, positioned close together, leading to the risk of accidental actuation, which can negatively impact bicycle travel and rider stance.
Innovation Solution
The control device features a protuberance on the support body where additional manual control members for actuator devices are positioned, allowing easy operation without removing the hand from the grip, with a control unit and visual indicator to process and display control signals, facilitating the management of bicycle functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control members for different actuator devices are positioned close together on the support body, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental actuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is divided into multiple zones: a first zone containing control members for frequently operated actuator devices (brakes, gearshifts), and a second zone containing control members for less frequently operated actuator devices. This spatial segmentation allows easy access to critical controls while isolating less critical ones to reduce accidental activation.
2Device complexity
If control members for multiple actuator devices are integrated on the support body, then the device complexity is reduced, but the area required for safe operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control members are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration on the support body, utilizing vertical spacing and angular distribution rather than only linear arrangement. This allows multiple control members to be positioned within a compact footprint while maintaining adequate operational spacing.
3Ease of operation
If control members are positioned to be easily accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental actuation of other control members increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the support body are assigned different functional qualities: the first zone is designed for frequent, deliberate operations with controls positioned for thumb and finger access, while the second zone is designed for less frequent operations with controls positioned to require more deliberate engagement, thus reducing accidental activation while maintaining ease of operation for intended functions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device (40L) for a bicycle comprises a support body (21L) having a substantially horizontal reference plane (43) extending from a rear end (65) configured for fixing to bicycle handlebars (20) to a front part (42) opposite the rear end (65). The reference plane (43) divides the support body (21L) into an upper part and a lower part, where the front part (42) comprises a protuberance (38) that extends upwards with respect to the reference plane (43). The control device (40LR) further comprises a first manual control member (22L) of a first actuator device, a second manual control member (24L) of a second actuator device and at least one third manual control member (31L) for operating at least one third actuator device. The first manual control member (22L) is associated with the lower part of the support body (21L). The second manual control member (24L) is associated with the lower part of the support body (21L). Said at least one third manual control member (31L) is associated with the upper part of the support body (21L) and arranged on the protuberance (38).