Bicycle Control Device with Embedded Shift Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices face issues with structural strength, ergonomic satisfaction, and durability due to complex wiring and recesses in the brake member bracket, which compromise the structural integrity and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle control device featuring a supporting member with a pivot axle and an electrical shift control unit where the main body is embedded, fixedly mounted, or pivotally connected to the pivot axle, and an input module with protruded parts for easy operation, enhancing structural strength and ergonomic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electrical shift control switches are mounted on the brake lever, then the gear changing function is achieved, but the wiring becomes complex and the structural strength is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical shift control switches are extracted from the brake lever and mounted separately on the supporting member. This separation allows the brake lever to maintain its structural integrity while the switches are positioned in a location that does not compromise the bracket's strength. The switches are taken out from the problematic location and relocated to an optimal position on the supporting member.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is segmented into distinct functional components: the brake lever for braking, the supporting member for structural support, and the electrical shift control switches for gear changing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the brake lever focuses on braking performance and structural strength, while the switches are positioned separately to avoid compromising the bracket's integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the switches are mounted in a switch mounting recess of the brake member bracket, then the electrical wiring problem is solved, but the structural strength is sacrificed and ergonomics are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The switches are extracted from the brake member bracket entirely and mounted on the supporting member instead. This eliminates the need for switch mounting recesses in the bracket, preserving the bracket's structural strength while still providing a secure mounting location for the electrical components on the supporting member.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member acts as an intermediary structure that carries the electrical shift control switches. Instead of mounting switches directly on the brake member bracket (which compromises its strength), the supporting member serves as a mediator that provides an alternative mounting surface, solving the wiring problem without harming the bracket's structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the main body is pivotally connected to the pivot axle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main body of the electrical shift control unit is pivotally connected to the pivot axle, merging the operation of the input module with the existing pivot mechanism. This allows the input module to be operated through the same pivotal motion as the brake lever, simplifying the user interface while utilizing the existing mechanical structure efficiently.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bicycle control device of the present invention includes a supporting member (1), a brake lever (2) and a pivot axle (4) mounted between the supporting member (1) and the brake lever (2), and an electrical shift control unit (10), which includes a main body (20) mounted in the pivot axle (4), and an input module (30) electrically coupled with the main body (20) and having a part (31,32,33) exposed to the outside of the supporting member (1). The electrical shift control unit (10) has the advantages of excellent structural stability and high durability, and enables the bicycle rider to control gear shifting of the bicycle by means of the input module.