Bicycle Operating Device Support Shaft Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle operating devices lack stability and efficient space utilization, leading to increased complexity and manufacturing costs, while also requiring additional components to manage the return of operating members to rest positions.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle operating device comprising a base member, support shaft, pivot pin, biasing member, and hydraulic unit, where the support shaft stabilizes the operating unit with multiple points of support, reduces parts, and utilizes a biasing member to return the operating member to a rest position, incorporating a hydraulic unit for piston return and efficient space use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional support structures are used for the operating unit, then the structure may be simpler, but the stability and space utilization are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of operating unitVSAvoidsupporting architecture complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support shaft combines multiple functions: it supports the operating unit at two points (first end and second end), provides a mounting point for the biasing member, and serves as a structural element connecting to the base member. By merging these functions into a single component, the patent achieves stable support without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support shaft is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, mounting for the biasing member, and spatial organization for the operating unit. This universal component approach resolves the contradiction by achieving stability through a single integrated element rather than multiple separate components.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple separate components are used to support the operating unit, then the support may be more stable, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the support function and biasing member mounting function into a single support shaft component. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining stable support for the operating unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support shaft serves multiple purposes: supporting the operating unit, mounting the biasing member, and providing structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing processes, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of manufacture.

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

3Reliability

If additional components are added to return the operating member to rest position, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereturn to rest position reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing member is integrated with the support shaft, combining the return force generation function with the support function. This integration ensures reliable return of the operating member to rest position while avoiding the addition of separate, complex return mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support shaft serves as both a structural support element and a mounting point for the biasing member that ensures reliable return to rest position. This multi-functionality achieves reliability without increasing device complexity, as the same component provides both support and return force.

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

4Volume of moving object

If the support shaft is positioned to optimize space utilization, then the internal space is better utilized, but the supporting stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal space utilizationVSAvoidoperating unit stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support shaft extends in a direction non-parallel to the first rotational axis, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. This angular arrangement allows the shaft to provide stable support at two points while accommodating other components within the base member, optimizing space utilization without compromising stability.

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

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

The solution provides stable and simplified support for the operating unit, reduces manufacturing costs, and effectively utilizes internal space, enabling efficient operation and cost reduction by minimizing components and enhancing user interaction.

Implementation Method 1

The biasing member is configured to bias the operating member toward a rest position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The hydraulic unit is configured to generate a hydraulic pressure in response to a movement of the operating member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10189532B2Bicycle operating device
Publication Date: 2019.01.29 SHIMANO INC
  • US10189532B2 patent drawing
  • US10189532B2 patent drawing
  • US10189532B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating unit, and a support shaft. The operating unit includes a rotatable member rotatable relative to the base member about a first rotational axis to control a bicycle component. The operating unit has a first operating unit end supported by the base member and a second operating unit end opposite to the first operating unit end along the first rotational axis. The support shaft extends in a direction non-parallel to the first rotational axis and couples the second operating unit end to the base member. The support shaft has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end and the second end are supported by the base member.