Bicycle Operating Device Switch Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle operating devices lack design flexibility and operability, particularly in the placement and operation of electrical switches, which restricts the design and functionality of bicycle components.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle operating device comprising a base member, an operating member, a piston, and an electrical switch, where the electrical switch is positioned at a second end portion opposite to the mounting end, allowing for improved design freedom and operability by utilizing areas farther from the pivot axis or cylinder bore for the switch, and including features like a grip portion and pommel portion for easy access and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical switch is positioned near the pivot axis or cylinder bore, then the device structure is compact, but the design freedom and operability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical switch is positioned at the second end portion of the base member, which is spatially separated from the pivot axis and cylinder bore. This dimensional relocation allows the switch to be placed in a previously underutilized area of the device, thereby improving design freedom without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical switch is positioned at the second end portion farther from the pivot axis, then design freedom is improved, but the distance from the operating member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base member is functionally segmented into different zones: the first end portion for mounting, the central region containing the cylinder bore and pivot axis, and the second end portion for housing the electrical switch. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its specific function while maintaining overall device coherence.
3Ease of operation
If the electrical switch is directly provided at the second end portion without movable intermediate member, then operability is improved, but the structural flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second end portion of the base member directly houses the electrical switch without requiring additional movable intermediate members. This self-service design allows the switch to be easily accessed and operated by the rider, improving operability while maintaining structural simplicity.
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
Enhances design freedom and operability of the bicycle operating device by allowing the electrical switch to be placed in more versatile locations, improving user interaction and component integration, such as with hydraulic systems and additional electrical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (34) movably provided in the cylinder bore (32). The piston (34) is operatively coupled to the operating member (14) to move in the cylinder bore (32) in response to a pivotal movement of the operating member (14)
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle operating device comprises a base member, an operating member, a piston, and an electrical switch. The base member includes a first end portion to be mounted to a bicycle handlebar, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and a cylinder bore. The operating member includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is pivotally coupled to the base member about a pivot axis. The distal end portion is farther from the proximal end portion than the pivot axis. The piston is movably provided in the cylinder bore and operatively coupled to the operating member to move in the cylinder bore in response to a pivotal movement of the operating member. The electrical switch is provided at the second end portion. The electrical switch is farther from the distal end portion of the operating member than the pivot axis.