Bicycle Control Device with Sliding Shift Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle control devices for shifting and braking operations are often complex to manufacture and operate, particularly when combined as single integrated units, lacking ease of use and manufacturing simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle control device featuring a base member, shift control unit, and dual-function shift operating levers that move along distinct operating paths, allowing for sliding engagement between the control member and shift operating lever, enabling both shifting and braking operations with a single integrated unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If bicycle shifter and brake lever are combined as a single integrated unit, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is divided into distinct functional modules: a brake lever assembly and a shifter assembly, each with independent operating paths. The brake lever pivots about a first pivot axis while the shifter operates along a second operating path, allowing separate optimization of each function while maintaining integration through shared mounting structure and cable routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces separate operating planes for braking and shifting functions. The brake lever operates in a first operating path while the shifter operates in a second operating path that is non-coincident with the first, effectively adding a dimensional separation to the control mechanisms. This allows both functions to be integrated in space while maintaining independent operational simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple shift levers are provided in addition to brake lever, then shifting control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the brake lever and shifter into a single integrated control device that operates with a single hand. The brake lever and shifter are combined in one assembly, allowing the rider to control both braking and shifting functions simultaneously or independently using one hand, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining full shifting control capability.
3Ease of manufacture
If control device is integrated as single unit, then manufacturing is simplified, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated control device is segmented into distinct functional components with separate operating paths. The brake lever assembly and shifter assembly are manufactured as integrated parts with defined pivot axes and operating paths, allowing standard manufacturing processes to produce the unified structure while the internal segmentation maintains operational simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A bicycle control device (12) is basically provided with a base member (36), a shift control unit (38), a control member (40) and a first shift operating lever (41). The shift control unit is mounted to the base member (36). The control member (40) includes a first portion operatively coupled to the shift control unit (38) and a second portion spaced from the first portion. The first shift operating lever (41) is movably coupled relative to the base member (36) to move along a first shift operating path and movably coupled relative to the base member (36) to move along a non-shift operating path that is non-coincident with the first shift operating path. The first shift operating lever (41) is slidably engaged with the second portion of the control member (40) such that the second portion of the control member is moved when the first shift operating lever is moved along the non-shift operating path with sliding contact therebetween.