Adjustable Bicycle Shift Lever Rest Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices often require a fixed rest position for shift levers, which can be inconvenient for riders as the ideal distance between the shift lever and handlebar changes based on how the rider grips the handlebar, particularly in drop-type handlebars.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle control device with a shift operating member featuring an adjustable rest position, incorporating a base member, shift control unit, brake lever, shift operating lever, and a lever adjustment mechanism that allows the shift operating lever to change its rest position along a non-shift movement path independently of the brake lever, using a first and second lever portion with an intermediate hinge and a lever adjustment mechanism to adjust the relative position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shift lever has a fixed rest position, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different rider gripping styles is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The rest position of the shift lever is made adjustable through a lever adjustment mechanism that includes a first lever portion, a second lever portion, and an intermediate hinge. This allows the rest position to be dynamically changed to suit different rider preferences and gripping styles, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The shift operating lever is divided into multiple segments (first lever portion and second lever portion) connected by an intermediate hinge. This segmentation enables independent adjustment of the rest position while maintaining the functional integrity of the shifting mechanism, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the rest position is adjustable along the non-shift movement path, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever adjustment mechanism enables the rest position to be adjusted along the non-shift movement path, allowing riders to optimize the lever position for their comfort and control preferences. This dynamic adjustment capability directly improves ease of operation while the mechanism is designed to integrate smoothly with the existing brake lever structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shift operating lever serves multiple functions: it performs the primary shifting operation, allows adjustment of the rest position for ergonomic optimization, and maintains compatibility with the brake lever system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering tangible operational benefits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shift operating lever is adjusted independently of the brake lever, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the shift operating lever into separable portions (first and second lever portions) connected by an intermediate hinge, the design enables independent adjustment of the shift lever position without affecting the brake lever. This segmentation makes the adjustable feature manufacturable using standard assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate hinge acts as an intermediary element that connects the first and second lever portions, enabling independent adjustment of the shift lever rest position while maintaining a mechanical connection. This intermediary component facilitates the adjustable design without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bicycle control device (12,14) is basically provided with a base member (36), a shift control unit (38), a brake lever (41), a shift operating lever (41,42) and a lever adjustment mechanism (85). The shift control unit (38) is mounted to the base member (36). The brake lever (41) is movably mounted relative to the base member (36). The shift operating lever (41,42) is operatively coupled to the shift control unit (38) to operate die shift control unit (38) when the shift operating lever (41,42) is moved from a rest position along a shift operating path. The shift operating lever (41,42) is movable from die rest position along a non-shift movement path independently of the brake lever (41). The lever adjustment mechanism (85) is operatively coupled to die shift operating lever (41,42) to change a location of die rest position of the shift operating lever (41,42) along the non-shift movement path.