Bicycle Operating Device with Prevention Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle operating devices face challenges in simultaneously operating multiple bicycle components without interference, leading to complex and bulky designs that compromise operability and space efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle operating device comprising a base member, first and second operating structures, and a prevention member, where the prevention member prevents actuation of the first take-up member by the first actuating member during simultaneous movement of the first and second operating members, allowing separate operation of bicycle components via mechanical control cables while maintaining compactness and reducing movement space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating structures are integrated to operate multiple bicycle components simultaneously, then the functionality and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to operate multiple bicycle componentsVSAvoidstructural complexity of operating device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple operating structures (first operating structure with first take-up member, first operating member, first actuating member; and second operating structure with second take-up member, second operating member) into a single integrated device mounted on a common base member. This merging approach enables simultaneous operation of multiple bicycle components (such as brake and shifter) while sharing common mounting space and structural elements, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating device is designed with multi-functional capability where a single device can operate multiple bicycle components through different operating members. The first operating member can operate a first bicycle component (e.g., brake) while the second operating member can operate a second bicycle component (e.g., shifter), allowing one integrated device to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operating structures are integrated to operate multiple bicycle components simultaneously, then the functionality is improved, but the area and volume occupied by the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to operate multiple bicycle componentsVSAvoidspace occupied by operating device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges the multiple operating structures in a nested or compact configuration where components are positioned to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces. The first and second operating structures are mounted on a common base member with their respective take-up members, operating members, and actuating members arranged to minimize the overall footprint, allowing the device to fit within limited handlebar or frame mounting areas while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The operating structures are arranged in three-dimensional space rather than simply extending in one dimension. The take-up members, operating members, and actuating members are positioned at different heights, depths, and angles relative to the base member, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions to pack multiple functional elements into a compact overall envelope that minimizes the area occupied on the handlebar or mounting surface

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

3Reliability

If prevention mechanism is added to prevent interference between operating members, then the reliability of separate component operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparate operation of bicycle componentsVSAvoidcomplexity of operating device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a prevention member as an intermediary element between the first and second operating structures. This prevention member selectively prevents the first actuating member from actuating the first take-up member when the second operating member is being moved. The prevention member acts as a mechanical mediator that detects the position or movement state of the second operating member and accordingly blocks or permits the operation of the first operating structure, ensuring reliable separate operation without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple independent mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The prevention mechanism is designed to automatically activate and deactivate based on the operational state of the second operating member without requiring external control inputs. When the second operating member moves, it triggers the prevention member to block the first actuating member's action on the first take-up member. This self-regulating mechanism uses the motion of one operating member to automatically control the interaction between operating structures, maintaining reliability while minimizing additional complexity through passive, motion-driven control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10351210B2Bicycle operating device
Publication Date: 2019.07.16 SHIMANO INC
  • US10351210B2 patent drawing
  • US10351210B2 patent drawing
  • US10351210B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, a first operating structure, a second operating structure, and a prevention member. The first operating structure comprises a first take-up member, a first operating member, and a first actuating member. The second operating structure comprises a second take-up member and a second operating member. The prevention member is configured to move together with the second operating member to prevent the first actuating member from actuating the first take-up member to move in at least one of a first pulling actuation direction and a first releasing actuation direction during a movement of the first operating member from a first rest position toward a first operated position.