Bicycle Integrated Handlebar Control Device Ergonomic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In bicycle racing, existing handlebar designs hinder quick and ergonomic control of brake and gear shifting mechanisms due to the relative positions of these controls, affecting timing and efficiency during competitions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated control device with a pivotally connected brake lever and an electronic controller featuring multiple operation parts strategically located on the brake lever, allowing riders to control various actions of electronic components with ease and precision, such as shifting and braking, by using their fingers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If brake controls and other controllers are respectively installed on the main handlebar, then each control can be operated independently, but the relative positions between controls affect the timing for the rider to reach them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the brake lever and electronic controller into an integrated control device where the electronic controller is disposed on the brake lever. This merging allows both braking and electronic control functions to be accessed from the same location, eliminating the time delay of reaching separate controls and enabling simultaneous operation of both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated control device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a brake lever for mechanical braking and houses an electronic controller with operation members for electronic component control. This multi-functionality consolidates what were previously separate controls into a single ergonomic unit that improves response time while maintaining independent operation of each function.
2Ease of operation
If the electronic controller is disposed at the rear end of the brake lever, then it is easily accessible, but it interferes with the rider's fingers gripping the brake lever
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the operation member should be located in a mounting portion that is not directly on the rear end but between the rear end and a site not greater than 3/4 length of the brake lever. This local positioning strategy places the electronic controller in an optimal zone that is easily accessible to the rider's fingers while avoiding interference with the gripping area, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and grip interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the brake lever can pivot in multiple directions, then it offers greater flexibility, but it complicates the mechanical structure and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the brake lever to pivot in multiple directions which would increase complexity, the patent inverts the approach by constraining the pivot to substantially one direction only. This simplifies the mechanical structure, improves reliability, while still providing sufficient flexibility for normal braking operations and ergonomic control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables riders to adjust controls ergonomically and respond quickly to road conditions, improving riding speed and efficiency by allowing intuitive operation of brake and gear shifting mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the front end of the brake lever is pivotally connected with the base to make the brake lever pivot relative to the base
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated handlebar for a bicycle includes a handlebar and at least one integrated control device, wherein the handlebar has at least two free ends and the integrated control device includes a base engaged with at least one of the free ends, a brake lever and an electronic controller. The brake lever has a front end pivotally connected with the base and a rear end. The brake lever has a mounting portion, being located at a distance not greater than ¾ length of the brake lever from the rear end and not directly on the rear end. The electronic controller includes an operation member disposed on the brake lever, which includes at least one operation part adapted to be triggered by fingers of a rider to control an action of the operation member so as to drive the electronic controller to output an electronic signal to an electronic component.