Integrated Bicycle Control Device for Shifting and Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices often require separate mechanisms for shifting gears and braking, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially when integrating electric and hydraulic components.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle control device that combines electric and hydraulic control functions in a single unit, utilizing a base member, operating members, electric and hydraulic units, and a controller to output signals for shifting and braking operations, allowing for simultaneous control of electric derailleurs and hydraulic brakes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate mechanisms are used for shifting gears and braking, then each function can be independently optimized, but the device complexity and operational convenience deteriorate due to multiple separate control units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate shifting and braking control mechanisms into a single integrated control unit mounted on the handlebar. This unified design allows the rider to control both electric derailleurs and hydraulic brakes from one location, reducing the number of separate control units and improving operational convenience while maintaining functional independence of each subsystem
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed to perform multiple functions - it can operate both the electric shifting mechanism and the hydraulic braking system. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control devices for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while enhancing ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If a unified control system is used for both shifting and braking, then ease of operation improves, but the reliability may worsen due to increased integration points and potential failure modes
Solution Approach 1:
While the control unit is physically integrated, the patent maintains functional segmentation by keeping the electric shifting circuitry and hydraulic braking systems as separate, independent subsystems. This allows each function to be optimized and maintained independently, reducing the propagation of failures between systems while preserving the operational convenience of a unified control interface
3Device complexity
If electric and hydraulic components are integrated in a single control device, then the quantity of components reduces, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen due to tighter tolerances and more complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with modular segmentation, where the electric shifting mechanism and hydraulic braking system are kept as distinct, independently manufacturable modules. This approach reduces the overall quantity of separate control devices while maintaining manageable manufacturing precision requirements by allowing each module to be manufactured and tested separately before final integration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless integration and operation of both shifting and braking functions, enhancing rider convenience and reducing mechanical complexity by using a unified control system for electric and hydraulic components.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic unit coupled to the base member to operate a hydraulic device
Implementation Method 2
The electric unit is configured to output a first signal causing a first operation of an electric device in response to the first movement
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a first operating member, an electric unit and a hydraulic unit. The base member is configured to be fixed to a bicycle part. The first operating member is coupled to the base member. The first operating member is configured to move along a first path from a rest position to a first position as a first movement. The first operating member is configured to move along the first path from the rest position to a second position via the first position as a second movement. The electric unit is configured to output a first signal causing a first operation of an electric device in response to the first movement. The electric unit is configured to output a second signal causing a second operation of the electric device in response to the second movement. The hydraulic unit is coupled to the base member to operate a hydraulic device.