Bicycle Control Device Recessed Switch Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices often result in unintentional operation of infrequently used electrical components due to their placement in convenient but risky locations for riders, posing a challenge in designing a switch that can be operated intentionally without interfering with normal riding.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle control device featuring a non-shifting control switch integrated into the handlebar's upper surface, recessed to prevent accidental activation, allowing intentional operation by requiring a deliberate hand movement, and connected to operate infrequently used electrical devices like the LCD display, cycle computer, or headlamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control switch is placed in a convenient location for operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but unintentional operation occurs during normal riding conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control switch is nested within a recessed cavity formed in the upper surface of the gripping part. This nesting approach allows the switch to be positioned in a convenient location for intentional operation while the recessed structure prevents accidental activation during normal riding conditions, as the rider's hand must deliberately press into the recess to activate the switch.
2Reliability
If the control switch is placed in an area not usually gripped by the rider's hand, then unintentional operation is prevented, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed cavity is strategically positioned in a specific local area of the gripping part's upper surface that is generally avoided during normal gripping but remains accessible for intentional operation. This local quality approach creates a zone that is neither fully gripped nor fully inaccessible, allowing the switch to be both protected from accidental activation and operable when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bicycle control device is basically provided with a bracket member (30), a brake lever (32) and a non-shifting control switch (36). The bracket member (30) has a handlebar mounting part (40) and a main body (42) with an upper surface (42a), a pair of side surfaces (42b) and a lower surface (42a), the main body (42) being configured to form a gripping part (44). The brake lever (32) is pivotally coupled to the main body (42) of the bracket member (30) at a coupling point (P1) such that the brake lever (32) extends from the coupling point (P1) in a direction opposite of the upper surface (42a) with a majority of the brake lever (32) being disposed below the handlebar mounting part (40). The non-shifting control switch (36) is disposed on the main body (42) of the bracket member (30) in an area of the upper surface (42a) of the main body (42).