Bicycle Handlebar Support with Common Grip Element

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle handlebar trailers for time and triathlon bicycles result in aerodynamically unfavorable positions that increase air resistance and fatigue, due to large frontal areas and uncomfortable hand positions, leading to frequent grip changes and delayed control operation.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle handlebar trailer with a central holding element and laterally arranged armrests, featuring a common asymmetric handle element that can be gripped by both hands, with thumb rests and easily accessible switching elements, reducing air resistance and improving ergonomics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If two separate tubular elements with individual grip elements are used, then each hand has its own grip position, but the frontal area increases leading to high air resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehand position comfortVSAvoidair resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate tubular elements with individual grips into a single common grip element that serves both hands. This consolidation reduces the frontal area and eliminates the gap between separate grips, thereby reducing air resistance while still providing adequate grip positions for both hands on the same aerodynamic structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement of separate parallel tubes to a three-dimensional integrated structure where the common grip element provides multiple grip positions at different heights and angles, allowing both hands to find comfortable positions on a single aerodynamic form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the distance between grips is minimized for aerodynamics, then air resistance decreases, but hand position flexibility and ergonomics are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair resistanceVSAvoidhand position options
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The common grip element extends in multiple dimensions with varying diameters and provides grip positions at different heights, angles, and locations along its length. This multi-dimensional design allows both hands to find comfortable positions while maintaining a compact overall structure that minimizes frontal area and air resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a common grip element is used for both hands, then air resistance is reduced, but control accessibility may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair resistanceVSAvoidcontrol accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The common grip element is segmented into multiple functional zones along its length, with different diameters and surface characteristics. Control elements are strategically positioned at specific segments where they can be easily accessed by either hand, while the aerodynamic profile is maintained in other segments. This segmentation allows both aerodynamic efficiency and control accessibility to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3790788B1Bicycle handlebar support
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 CANYON BICYCLES
  • EP3790788B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3790788B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3790788B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a bicycle handlebar support, which is suitable in particular for time trial or triathlon bicycles and has a central retaining element (4) which in the fitted state points in the direction of travel. Furthermore, in addition to the retaining element (4) two armrests (3) are provided for the lower arms. According to the invention a common gripping element (2) is provided in a front region of the retaining element (4) for gripping jointly with both hands.