Bicycle Control Device Rotating Grip Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices require thumb-activated levers that demand significant thumb movement and force, causing discomfort and strain, especially when operating multiple components simultaneously or at high speeds, and often interfere with other handlebar devices.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a rotating grip attached to the handlebar that allows for easy operation by gripping and twisting, enabling simultaneous control of multiple components without hand repositioning, featuring a securing mechanism and release actuator for seamless state changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thumb-activated levers are used to control bicycle components, then the components can be operated between different states, but significant thumb movement and force are required causing discomfort and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated control device mounted on the handlebar. The control device integrates a rotating member, securing mechanism, and release actuator into one unified structure that can control multiple bicycle components (suspension, drivetrain, seat post) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate thumb-activated levers for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a thumb-push lever mechanism that requires forceful linear movement, the patent inverts the control approach by using a rotating member that the rider grips and twists. This rotational motion is more natural and requires less force than linear thumb movement. The release actuator also inverts the traditional release mechanism by using a simple push-button that releases the securing mechanism, allowing easy return to the initial state.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control devices are mounted on the handlebar to control different components, then each component can be controlled independently, but the devices interfere with each other and complicate the handlebar layout
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can control multiple bicycle components through a single integrated mechanism. The rotating member can be positioned at different angular positions to control different components (front suspension, rear suspension, drivetrain, seat post), making one device perform the functions of multiple separate controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses a nested structure where the rotating member is disposed within the housing, and the securing mechanism is disposed within the rotating member. The release actuator is positioned to access the securing mechanism through the housing. This nested arrangement compactly integrates multiple functional elements into a single space-efficient unit that mounts on the handlebar without interfering with other devices.
3Reliability
If a securing mechanism is added to lock the rotating member in position, then the component state can be maintained, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the rotating member in its controlled position without requiring additional user action. When the rider rotates the rotating member to the desired position, the securing mechanism self-activates to maintain that position. The release actuator provides a simple one-handed operation to disengage the securing mechanism when needed, making the system self-maintaining during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Example control devices for operating bicycle components are described herein. An example control device includes a housing having an opening to receive a handlebar of the bicycle and a rotating member rotatably coupled to the housing. The rotating member is rotatable about a first axis. The rotating member is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position to change an operating state of a component. The example control device includes a securing mechanism configured to lock the rotating member in the second position. The example control device also includes a release actuator coupled to the housing. The release actuator has an actuating surface to be engaged by a user and moved along a second axis that intersects the first axis. The release actuator is configured to, when actuated, unlock the securing mechanism to enable the rotating member to rotate back to the first position.