Bicycle Control Device with Integrated Suspension and Gear Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices are complex and bulky, making it difficult for riders to operate multiple components such as gear shifters and suspension controls simultaneously and efficiently, especially when mounted on the handlebar.
Innovation Solution
A compact bicycle control device with a main support shaft and two control units, each comprising a wire takeup element, positioning structure, and operating member, allowing independent operation of suspension and gear shifting functions without interfering with each other, thereby simplifying the operation of multiple components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate control devices are mounted on the handlebar, then each component can be operated independently, but the device complexity and bulk increase making it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (suspension control and gear shifting) into a single integrated control device mounted on the handlebar. The housing contains both a suspension control component with a first lever and a gear changer component with a second lever, allowing multiple functions to be operated from one location rather than requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control device performs multiple functions: it controls the suspension system through the first lever and operates the gear changer through the second lever. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate control devices while maintaining independent operation of each function.
2Ease of operation
If control devices are combined into a single unit, then operation is simplified, but the device becomes complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The control device nests multiple components within a single housing. The suspension control component and gear changer component are positioned inside the housing, with levers extending outward. The first wire takeup element is rotatably mounted on the main support shaft, and the second wire takeup element is similarly mounted, creating a compact nested arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a main support shaft as a central axis around which multiple wire takeup elements are rotatably mounted. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple control functions to be organized radially around a central point, saving space compared to linear arrangements while maintaining accessibility.
3Device complexity
If separate control devices are used for each component, then each device remains simple, but it becomes difficult and confusing to operate multiple devices simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges suspension control and gear shifting operations into a single integrated unit with distinct levers. The first lever controls suspension while the second lever controls gear shifting, allowing both functions to be operated from one location without requiring the rider to reach for separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control function has its own dedicated lever and wire takeup element within the integrated device. The first operating member is operatively coupled to the first positioning structure, and the second operating member is operatively coupled to the second positioning structure, ensuring that each function can be controlled independently with its own local control mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control devices are mounted on the handlebar, then all components can be controlled, but the rider's hands cannot remain on the hand grips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple control functions into a single device mounted on the handlebar near the hand grips. Both the suspension control lever and gear changer lever are positioned so they can be operated with the thumb or fingers while the hand remains on the grip, eliminating the need to remove hands from control position.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle control device is provided with a main support shaft, a first control unit and a second control unit. Each of the control units includes a wire takeup element, a positioning structure and an operating member. The wire takeup elements are both rotatably mounted on the main support shaft. The positioning structures are operatively coupled to their respective wire takeup elements to selectively maintain their respective wire takeup elements in one of at least two positions. The operating members are operatively coupled to their respective positioning structure to change a current position of their respective wire takeup element. The first wire takeup element is stationary when the second operating member is operated to change the current position of the second wire takeup element such that the current position of the first wire takeup element always remains the same in response to operation of the second operating member.