Bicycle Operating Device Wireless Control Integration
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle operating devices lack efficient integration of wireless communication and hydraulic operation, limiting the ability to seamlessly control advanced bicycle components such as electric shifting and hydraulic brakes through a user-friendly interface.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle operating device comprising a base member, an operating member, a wireless communicator, an electrical switch, and a power supply, where the wireless communicator is electrically connected to the switch to transmit signals to additional components, and the power supply is integrated to provide power, allowing for wireless control of hydraulic and electrical bicycle components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wireless communicator and power supply are mounted separately at the second end of the base member, then ease of manufacture and assembly are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional cables and mounting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wireless communicator and power supply into a single integrated module mounted at the second end of the base member. This integration eliminates the need for separate cable connections and mounting structures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of manufacture. The integrated module is electrically connected internally, simplifying the overall assembly process.
2Device complexity
If wireless communicator and power supply are integrated in an overlapping configuration, then device complexity is reduced by eliminating cables, but ease of manufacture may worsen due to tighter integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an overlapping configuration where the wireless communicator and power supply are positioned in different spatial dimensions (at least partially overlapping when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis). This dimensional arrangement allows the components to be integrated without requiring complex three-dimensional stacking, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturability through planar or near-planar integration.
3Ease of operation
If the operating member is pivotally coupled to control hydraulic components, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to hydraulic unit integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex hydraulic control mechanisms with a pivotal operating member that directly controls hydraulic components through mechanical motion. The operating member's pivoting action about the first pivot axis translates user input into hydraulic actuation, simplifying the control system while maintaining ease of operation. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for complex electronic or hydraulic control systems.
4Productivity
If multiple components (operating member, wireless communicator, power supply) are integrated in a compact arrangement, then productivity is improved by reducing assembly steps, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bicycle operating device into distinct functional modules: the base member with mounting provisions, the operating member with pivotal coupling, and the integrated wireless communicator-power supply module. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, improving productivity through modular assembly while managing device complexity through clear functional separation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating member, a wireless communicator, and a power supply. The base member includes a first end to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar and a second end opposite to the first end. The operating member is pivotally coupled to the base member about a first pivot axis. The electrical switch is to be activated by an input operation from a user. The wireless communicator is electrically connected to the electrical switch to wirelessly transmit a signal to an additional component in response to the input operation. The power supply is electrically connected to the wireless communicator to supply electrical power to the wireless communicator. The wireless communicator and the power supply are at least partially overlap with each other when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first pivot axis.