Bicycle Handlebar Mounting Adapter for Variable Diameter Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle operating device mounting assemblies face challenges in securely attaching various devices to handlebars, particularly due to oversized clamp openings that require additional components or deformation to fit standard handlebar sizes, leading to instability and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle operating device mounting assembly comprising a handlebar mounting clamp, adapter members, and a preventing structure that includes a tightening bolt and engaging recesses or protrusions to securely attach devices, allowing for adjustable configurations that fit different handlebar diameters without deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the clamp opening is made oversized to accommodate different handlebar sizes, then adaptability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to loose fitting and potential movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different handlebar sizesVSAvoidmounting stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter member is divided into multiple parts (first part and second part) that can be separately disposed within the clamp opening. Each part can be independently adjusted and secured, allowing the mounting assembly to adapt to different handlebar sizes while maintaining stability through segmented engagement points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter member serves as an intermediary component between the clamp and the handlebar. It fills the gap created by the oversized clamp opening and provides a stable mounting surface for operating devices, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling adaptability across different handlebar dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional components are added to fit oversized clamps to standard handlebars, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with standard handlebar sizesVSAvoidnumber of additional components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter member integrates multiple functions into a single component: it fits within the oversized clamp opening, provides structural support, enables positioning adjustments, and offers mounting surfaces for operating devices. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining adaptability to standard handlebar sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter member is designed as a universal component that can be used with various clamp and handlebar combinations. Its multi-functional design allows it to serve as both a fitting element for the oversized clamp and a mounting platform for different operating devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the clamp is tightened to secure the adapter member, then stability is improved, but risk of damage increases due to potential deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidrisk of clamp or handlebar damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter member acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes the clamping force before it reaches the handlebar. This prevents concentrated stress that could cause deformation or damage, while still providing sufficient attachment security through its structural design and engagement features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter member changes the stress distribution parameters by providing a larger surface area for force distribution. Instead of direct point-contact between the clamp and handlebar, the adapter member disperses the clamping force across its structure, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If the adapter member is made detachable for flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential relative movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachability for adjustment and removalVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter member includes pre-configured engagement features (such as positioning elements or locking mechanisms) that are prepared in advance to ensure stable connection when assembled. These preliminary structural arrangements maintain reliability during detachable operation by preventing relative movement during use while allowing easy assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9731787B2Bicycle operating device mounting assembly

Publication Date: 2017.08.15 SHIMANO INC

AI summary

A bicycle operating device mounting assembly is basically provided with a handlebar mounting clamp and an adapter member. The handlebar mounting clamp has a clamp opening. The adapter member includes at least a first part that is detachably disposed within the clamp opening. The first part is configured to be clamped between the handlebar mounting clamp and a handlebar as the handlebar mounting clamp is tightened in a state that the first part is disposed within the clamp opening.