Bicycle Shift Operating Device with Multi-Function Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle shift operating devices are often complex, expensive, and cumbersome, making them difficult to manufacture and assemble, and they may not efficiently allow for both winding and releasing of control wires.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle shift operating device featuring a first shift operating member that can perform both winding and releasing of a control wire, with a second member capable of one of these operations, utilizing a shifting unit with a ratchet member, winding pawl, and release pawl, and biased levers to simplify the mechanism and reduce weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior shift operating devices use multiple separate levers and mechanisms for winding and releasing control wires, then the device can perform shifting operations, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first shift operating member is designed to perform both winding and releasing functions. When the first member is rotated in a first direction, it winds the control wire via the ratchet member and winding pawl. When rotated in a second direction, it releases the control wire via the release pawl. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated winding and releasing mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full shifting operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the winding mechanism (ratchet member and winding pawl) and the releasing mechanism (release pawl) into a single integrated shift operating device. Both functions share common components such as the first shift operating member, the control wire, and the housing structure. This merging of functions and components directly reduces the overall complexity of the device structure and simplifies manufacturing.
2Ease of operation
If prior shift operating devices include multiple separate operating mechanisms, then complete winding and releasing functions are achieved, but manufacturing and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first shift operating member serves dual purposes as both a winding operator and a releasing operator. The same component interacts with both the ratchet-winding pawl system and the release pawl system, eliminating the need for separate operating mechanisms. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing and assembly costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules: the ratchet member with winding teeth, the winding pawl, the release pawl, and the biasing elements. Each module is designed to be relatively simple and can potentially be manufactured separately using standard components, facilitating easier assembly and reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If prior shift operating devices use complex mechanisms for dual winding and releasing capability, then both operations are enabled, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first shift operating member is designed to perform both winding and releasing functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function. This reduction in the number of components directly reduces the overall weight of the shifting device while maintaining full dual-directional control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The winding and releasing mechanisms are merged into a single integrated system sharing common components (first shift operating member, control wire, housing). This consolidation eliminates redundant structural elements and reduces the total material required, thereby reducing device weight.
4Ease of manufacture
If prior shift operating devices use simplified mechanisms, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to efficiently perform both winding and releasing operations is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The first shift operating member is designed to efficiently perform both winding and releasing operations through its dual-directional rotation capability. Rotating in one direction engages the ratchet and winding pawl for wire winding, while rotating in the opposite direction engages the release pawl for wire releasing. This efficient dual-function operation is achieved without requiring complex mechanisms, maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet member automatically engages with the winding pawl when the first shift operating member is rotated in the winding direction, and the release pawl automatically engages when rotated in the releasing direction. These self-actuating mechanisms eliminate the need for complex control systems, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring efficient wire control.
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 device is simpler and less expensive to manufacture, allowing for efficient operation with reduced weight and improved ease of assembly, enabling effective shifting with reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a ratchet member (54) selectively engageable by the winding pawl (56) to rotate the shift wire take-up element (44) in the first rotational direction
Implementation Method 2
a first lever biasing element (60) that is arranged for urging the first shift operating member (51) to a rest position
Implementation Method 3
a release pawl (58) that is arranged for disengagement from the ratchet member (54) to release the control wire
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A bicycle shift operating device basically has a base member (40), a shift wire take-up element (44) and a shifting unit (46). The shift wire take-up element (44) is rotatably mounted with respect to the base member (40) in first and second rotational directions about a pivot axis (A). The shifting unit (46) is operatively coupled to the shift wire take-up element (44). The shifting unit (46) includes first and second shift operating members (51,52). The first shift operating member (51) is movably mounted with respect to the base member (40) to selectively operate the shift wire take-up element (44) in the first and second rotational directions by moving along a first plane (P1) and a second plane (P2) respectively, said planes being non-parallel. The second shift operating member (52) is movably mounted with respect to the base member (40) to release the shift wire take-up element (44) for movement in the second rotational direction.