Bicycle Shifter Actuator Reduces Parts via Multi-Direction Input
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle operating devices have a high number of parts, which complicates their operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle operating device with a reduced number of parts, featuring a base member, actuator, and user-operated input where the actuator moves between two positions in response to different directional inputs, with a positioning catch and engagement hooks to maintain and adjust the actuator's position, simplifying the configuration and improving operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional bicycle operating device uses multiple user operated inputs to control the actuator, then the operability and control precision are improved, but the number of parts and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single user operated input is designed to perform multiple functions: it can move the actuator from first position to second position, and also move the actuator from second position back to first position by operating in different directions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate operating inputs for different actuator movements, reducing part count while maintaining full operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the function of the single user operated input based on the current position of the actuator. When the actuator is at the first position, the input moves it to the second position. When the actuator is at the second position, the same input moves it back to the first position. This dynamic adaptability allows one component to replace multiple static components
2Device complexity
If the actuator is designed to move in multiple directions with a single input, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision and reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning catch is pre-configured with positioning portions at specific locations corresponding to the first and second positions of the actuator. Before the actuator reaches its target position, the positioning catch engages with the actuator to precisely locate it at the intended position, ensuring accurate positioning despite the simplified single-input design
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning catch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user operated input and the actuator. It receives the movement command from the input and ensures the actuator reaches the precise target position by engaging with positioning portions, thereby maintaining positioning precision while allowing the simplified single-input configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle operating device includes a base member, an actuator arranged to be movable with respect to the base member and having a cable holder, and a user operated input arranged to be movable with respect to the base member to move the actuator. In a state where the actuator is located in a first position, the user operated input moves the actuator from the first position to a second position by being operated with respect to the base member in a first direction. In a state where the actuator is located in the second position, the user operated input moves the actuator from the second position to the first position by being operated in the first direction or a second direction, which differs from the first direction.