Bicycle Shift Control Device with Adjustable Stroke Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle shift control devices often result in accidental multiple gear shifts when a single gear shift is intended, leading to a need for a device that can selectively regulate between single and multiple gear shifting operations.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle shift control device with a stroke length control arrangement that allows the rider to selectively limit the movement of the shift operating member, enabling either single or multiple gear shifting operations by preventing the shift operating member from moving beyond an intermediate actuating position to the fully actuating position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multiple gear shift control device is used to allow multiple gear shifts in a single progressive shifting operation, then shifting efficiency is improved, but the risk of accidental multiple gear shifts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable stop member that can be positioned at different locations along the operating member's path, dynamically changing the stroke length control from fixed to adjustable. This allows the system to adapt between single-gear and multi-gear shifting modes, resolving the contradiction between shifting efficiency and accuracy by enabling the rider to select the appropriate mode for each situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stroke length parameter by allowing the stop member to be positioned at different locations, thereby controlling the operating member's travel distance. By adjusting this parameter, the system can limit the cable pull to achieve single-gear shifts or allow full travel for multi-gear shifts, thus resolving the contradiction between shifting efficiency and accuracy.
2Reliability
If a stroke length control arrangement is added to selectively limit operating member movement, then shifting accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop member serves multiple functions: it acts as a stroke limiter, a position indicator, and a selectable control element. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, thereby improving shifting accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop member acts as an intermediary element between the operating member and the cable winder, controlling the transmission of force and motion. This intermediary component enables precise control of the operating member's travel distance without requiring complex control systems, thus improving shifting accuracy with minimal added complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shift operating member is allowed to move to the fully actuating position, then multiple gear shifting capability is maintained, but accidental multiple gear shifts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The stop member is positioned in advance to limit the operating member's travel before the rider completes the shifting action. This preliminary limitation prevents the cable pull from exceeding the amount needed for a single gear shift, thereby preventing accidental multiple gear shifts while maintaining the option for multi-gear shifting when the stop member is repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop member provides a preliminary counter-action to the operating member's movement, physically blocking it from reaching the fully actuating position. This anti-action prevents the excessive cable pull that would cause multiple gear shifts, thus improving the reliability of intended shift execution while preserving gearing versatility when the stop is repositioned.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle shift control device is provided with a stroke length control arrangement that allows the rider to selectively regulate at least one shift operating member between a single gear shifting operation position and a multiple gear shifting operation position. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle shift control device has a gear shifting mechanism that is operated by a pair shift operating members (levers). The stroke length control arrangement selectively limits movement of the shift operating member in a range of movement between the rest position and an intermediate actuating position by preventing the shift operating member from being moved past the intermediate actuating position to the fully actuating position.