Bicycle Handlebar Operating Apparatus for On-the-fly Seat and Suspension Adjustment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle systems require riders to dismount to adjust seat height and suspension stiffness, which disrupts the riding experience, especially for mountain biking where quick adjustments are necessary based on terrain and rider preference.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle component operating apparatus that includes a first operating device attached to a handlebar and a second detachable operating device, allowing for adjustable attachment and operation of a bicycle height adjustable seat post and suspension system without dismounting, using a combination of clamps, threads, and user interface surfaces for easy adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional height adjustable seats and adjustable suspensions are used, then seat height and suspension stiffness can be adjusted, but the rider must dismount to make adjustments which disrupts the riding experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of seat height and suspensionVSAvoidconvenience of adjustment during riding

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operating device is divided into a first operating device attached to the handlebar and a second operating device that is detachably attached to the first operating device. This segmentation allows the second operating device to be selectively positioned within easy reach of the rider while maintaining the adjustability function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A second operating device serves as an intermediary between the rider and the adjustment mechanisms. This intermediate device is positioned on the handlebar assembly within easy reach of the rider, allowing adjustments to be made without dismounting while still controlling the seat post or suspension adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If adjustment mechanisms are conveniently located on the bicycle, then adjustments can be made while riding, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of adjustment controlsVSAvoidcomplexity of operating device assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second operating device is designed to be detachably attached to the first operating device, allowing it to serve multiple functions: it can be attached when adjustment accessibility is needed and detached when not needed, thus providing universal applicability without permanently increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system allows the second operating device to be dynamically attached and detached from the first operating device. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt between a simpler state (when the second device is detached) and a more accessible state (when the second device is attached), resolving the contradiction between accessibility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a detachable second operating device is added to the first operating device, then adjustment accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of adjustment controlsVSAvoidcomplexity of operating device assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating device is divided into a first operating device attached to the handlebar and a second operating device that is detachably attached to the first operating device. This segmentation allows the second operating device to be selectively positioned within easy reach of the rider while maintaining the adjustability function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second operating device is designed to be detachably attached to the first operating device, allowing it to serve multiple functions: it can be attached when adjustment accessibility is needed and detached when not needed, thus providing universal applicability without permanently increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10793220B2Bicycle component operating apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 SHIMANO INC

AI summary

A bicycle component operating apparatus includes a first operating device and a second operating device. The first operating device includes a base member, a main body and an operating member. The base member has a clamp configured to be coupled to a handlebar. The operating member is movably arranged with respect to the base member. The operating device member is configured to perform an operation of at least one of a bicycle transmission component and a bicycle brake component. The second operating device includes an attachment part that is detachably and adjustably attached to the attachment area of the main body.