Bicycle Shifting and Braking Control via Fluid Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional speed shifting devices for bicycles often result in accidental gear shifts during braking and insufficient braking force due to reliance on a brake lever for both functions.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle operating device with a main body mounted on a bended handlebar, incorporating a speed shifting unit with a reel and shaft, a brake lever connected to a fluid pressure generating assembly, and operation assemblies for independent control of shifting and braking, providing a large and reliable braking force through fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a brake lever is used to control both braking and speed shifting, then the device structure is simple, but accidental gear shifts during braking and insufficient braking force occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control functions into separate components: a brake lever specifically for braking and a speed shifting unit with independent operating assemblies. This segmentation prevents the brake lever from causing accidental gear shifts while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid pressure generating assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the brake lever and the brake assembly. The fluid pressure system transmits and amplifies the braking force, providing reliable braking performance while keeping the mechanical connection simple.
2Device complexity
If a brake lever pulls the brake cable directly, then the device structure is simple, but braking force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a fluid pressure generating assembly that uses hydraulic principles to amplify the braking force. The fluid pressure system converts the relatively small force applied to the brake lever into a larger braking force at the brake assembly, significantly improving braking performance without substantially increasing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and pressure parameters of the braking system by introducing fluid pressure. This parameter change allows the brake mechanism to generate sufficient braking force while maintaining a simple structural design, as the fluid pressure system efficiently transmits and amplifies force.
3Volume of moving object
If the first press region and second press region are located on the same side of the reference plane, then the structure is compact, but the operation assemblies interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the first press region and second press region asymmetrically relative to the reference plane, with the second press region located between the first rotation axis and the first press region. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that when one press region is operated, the other remains unaffected, eliminating interference between the two operation assemblies while maintaining compact overall structure.
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
The device ensures easy and convenient operation with a reliable braking force, preventing accidental gear shifts during braking and enhancing braking performance compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the brake lever drives the piston assembly to move along the cylinder to generate a control fluid pressure to drive a brake assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle operating device includes a main body, a speed shafting unit, a brake lever, a fluid pressure generating assembly, a first operation assembly and a second operation assembly. The speed shafting unit is disposed on the main body and includes a reel and a shaft. The reel is disposed on the shaft. The brake lever is rotatably connected to the main body. The fluid pressure generating assembly is disposed on the main body and includes a cylinder, a piston assembly and a reservoir. The reservoir is located above the cylinder.