Bicycle Handle With Inward Grip Knob

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bicycle handles with bar ends often get stuck or have incorrectly set angles, and existing designs lack versatility in gripping positions, leading to uneven strain on the wrist, arms, and shoulders.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle handle design featuring an inner sleeve made of a harder material for secure attachment, a grip element with varying textures and thicknesses, a gripping knob with a finger bead for alternative gripping, and a holding element for thumb support, allowing multiple gripping positions without a bar end, including a conventional and upright grip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a bar end is added to enable different gripping positions, then gripping position versatility is improved, but the risk of getting caught on the bar end increases and the angle setting becomes incorrect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping position versatilityVSAvoidrisk of getting caught
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a bar end protruding outward that can catch clothing or equipment, the invention inverts the approach by creating an inward-facing grip knob on the inner sleeve. The gripping surface is reversed to face toward the handlebar center, eliminating the outward-protruding hazard while maintaining the ability to provide alternative gripping positions. The grip knob with its finger bulge creates a safe, contained gripping interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an inner sleeve as an intermediary component between the handlebar and the outer grip element. This inner sleeve houses the grip knob and provides a stable mounting structure, allowing the grip knob to be precisely positioned and secured without the risks associated with outward-protruding bar ends. The inner sleeve acts as a mediator that enables versatile gripping while containing potential hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the grip element is made softer for comfort, then comfort is improved, but the stability and resistance to twisting under load decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip comfortVSAvoidresistance to twisting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs composite construction by combining a hard inner sleeve (made of rigid material for structural stability and twist resistance) with a soft outer grip element (made of compliant material for comfort). The inner sleeve provides the structural backbone that resists twisting forces, while the outer grip element provides comfort through its softer, more compliant nature. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between comfort and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The grip system is segmented into distinct functional components: the inner sleeve that provides structural integrity and mounting functionality, and the outer grip element that provides comfort and grip surface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the inner sleeve for strength and stability, the outer element for comfort - thereby resolving the contradiction between these opposing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a grip knob is added for alternative gripping position, then gripping position versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping position versatilityVSAvoidhandle structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the alternative gripping functionality directly into the inner sleeve structure itself, rather than adding a separate, complex mechanism. The grip knob is formed as an integral feature of the inner sleeve, allowing the inner sleeve to serve dual purposes: as the structural mounting component and as the provider of alternative gripping positions. This merging reduces overall complexity compared to adding a separate mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The inner sleeve is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as the structural mounting component for the grip element, provides an alternative gripping position through its integrated grip knob, and acts as a stable base for the entire assembly. By making the inner sleeve universal and multi-functional, the invention achieves gripping position versatility without adding separate complex components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4477516A1Bicycle handle
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 ERGON INT GMBH
  • EP4477516A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4477516A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4477516A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A bicycle grip has an inner sleeve (80) that is at least partially surrounded by a grip element (50). A grip knob (58) for gripping the bicycle grip from the outside is provided on an outer surface (56) of the grip element (50). The grip knob (58) has a finger ridge (68) that is gripped by at least part of the fingers, excluding the thumb, when the grip knob (58) is grasped.