Bicycle Shift Control With Multi-Position Switch Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current human-powered vehicle operating devices lack usability improvements, particularly in activating multiple electric switches efficiently and flexibly, leading to complex and cumbersome designs.
Innovation Solution
The operating device incorporates a base with multiple electric switches and movable operating structures that activate these switches through various positions, allowing for flexible activation of individual or multiple switches using different operating structures, enhancing usability and design simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric switches are activated using separate operating structures, then switch activation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first operating structure is designed to activate both the first electric switch and the third electric switch through different movement ranges. When moved from the first rest position to the first intermediate position, it activates the first electric switch. When continued to the first operating position, it activates the third electric switch. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate operating structures for each switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple operating structures into a single operating structure that can activate multiple switches. The first operating structure integrates the capability to activate both the first and third electric switches, merging what would traditionally require separate operating mechanisms into one unified structure.
2Device complexity
If a single operating structure activates multiple switches sequentially, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movement range of the first operating structure is segmented into distinct positions: a first rest position, a first intermediate position, and a first operating position. Each position corresponds to specific switch activation states. This segmentation allows the operator to clearly understand and control which switches are activated based on the operating structure's position, maintaining ease of operation despite the multi-switch capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating structure allows for partial activation where only the first electric switch is activated by stopping at the first intermediate position, or full activation where both the first and third electric switches are activated by continuing to the first operating position. This provides flexible control where the operator can perform exactly the action needed without unnecessary complexity.
3Measurement precision
If operating structures have multiple positions for switch activation, then switch control precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The operating device is divided into distinct positional segments: rest positions, intermediate positions, and operating positions for each operating structure. These segmented positions provide precise control over which switches are activated. The clear spatial separation between positions makes it easy for operators to understand and achieve the desired switch configuration without confusion.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device comprises a base, a first electric switch, a second electric switch, a third electric switch, a first operating structure, and a second operating structure. The first operating structure is movably arranged with respect to the base to activate the first electric switch as the first operating structure moves from a first rest position to a first intermediate position and to activate the third electric switch as the first operating structure moves from the first intermediate position to a first operating position. The second operating structure is movably arranged with respect to the base to activate the second electric switch as the second operating structure moves from a second rest position to a second intermediate position and to activate the third electric switch as the second operating structure moves from the second intermediate position to a second operating position.