Bicycle Handlebar Internal Cable Routing via Hollow Body

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle handlebars do not effectively address the issues of cable exposure, vandalism, and aesthetic concerns, as well as premature wear of cables due to external routing, and are not adaptable to bicycle sharing programs.

Innovation Solution

A V-shaped handlebar with a hollow body and integrated control openings allows internal routing of control cables from brake and gear shift levers, using a fork mounting portion and handle shafts with secure mounting members, protecting cables from exposure and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If cables are routed externally along the bicycle frame, then installation and maintenance are easier, but cables are exposed to damage from environment and vandalism, and detract from aesthetic appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable installation easeVSAvoidcable exposure to damage and vandalism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent routes control cables through the hollow interior of the handlebar structure, nesting the cables within the handlebar's internal cavity. This internal routing protects cables from external damage and vandalism while maintaining ease of installation through dedicated cable access openings in the handlebar design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If cables are routed externally along the bicycle frame, then cable access and installation are simpler, but cables suffer premature wear from continuous scrubbing against the frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable routing simplicityVSAvoidcable durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If cables are routed externally along the bicycle frame, then installation is easier, but cables cover art or graphic logos on the frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable installation easeVSAvoidaesthetic appearance of frame

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional handlebar designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but they are not adaptable to bicycle sharing programs requiring anti-theft features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandlebar manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to bicycle sharing programs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into the handlebar structure: the hollow body provides cable routing protection, the control openings enable cable access, and the overall design accommodates bicycle sharing program requirements for anti-theft and durability features, making the handlebar universally adaptable to various bicycle applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8438946B2Handlebar for a bicycle

Publication Date: 2013.05.14 SOC DE VELO & LIBRE SERVICE

AI summary

The present invention generally pertains to a handlebar assembly for a bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a handlebar assembly comprising a hollow body in which are routed control cables needed for breaking and gear shifting.