Bicycle Grip Element With Integrated Palm Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle grips, particularly those for racing bikes, often lead to wrist fatigue and reduced blood circulation during long rides due to inadequate support for the ball of the hand in the most common gripping position, resulting in discomfort and potential hand numbness.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle grip element featuring a fastening mechanism for attachment to a brake lever holder, incorporating a palm rest element that supports the ball of the hand at a 90° angle relative to the conventional position, with a horizontally or slightly rising upper surface and a recessed design to enhance ergonomics, and optionally made from elastomeric materials for added comfort and damping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional bicycle grip without palm support is used, then the grip structure remains simple, but the hand experiences strain and wrist fatigue during long rides
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the palm support element with the brake lever mount housing to form an integrated structure. The palm support element is formed as part of the housing that surrounds the brake lever mount, merging two previously separate functions (brake lever mounting and palm support) into a single unified component. This integration provides hand support without adding separate complex structures.
2Ease of operation
If a wider hood is used to support the hand, then hand support is improved, but wrist fatigue occurs and blood circulation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides support only in the specific area where the palm rests, rather than using a wide hood that encompasses the entire hand and wrist area. The palm support element is positioned to support the palm while leaving the wrist area open and unrestricted. This localized support approach relieves hand strain without causing wrist fatigue or restricting blood circulation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the upper surface of the palm support element is flat, then manufacturing is simpler, but ergonomic comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent features a recess in the upper surface of the palm support element that follows the natural curvature of the palm. This curved recess design conforms to the anatomical shape of the hand, providing ergonomic comfort by distributing pressure evenly across the palm surface. The curved geometry is achieved through standard molding processes, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving comfort during extended use.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A bicycle grip element has a fastening element, similar to a road bike hood (22), for attachment to a road bike brake lever mount (20). A handball support element (28) is connected to the fastening element (22).