Integrated Bicycle Shifter and Brake Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle control devices are not compact enough, making them less efficient for modern cycling needs, particularly in competitive sports where space and weight are critical.
Innovation Solution
A compact bicycle control device featuring a base member, a release member, and two pivotally mounted shift operating levers that allow for both shifting and braking operations as a single integrated unit, with a release pawl mechanism to manage inner wire tension effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional separate shifter and brake lever units are used, then functional reliability is maintained, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the shifter and brake lever into a single integrated control device where the brake lever serves dual purposes: braking and shifting. The brake lever includes a brake portion for braking operations and a shifter portion for gear shifting, eliminating the need for separate control units and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake lever is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a braking control and a shifting control. The shifter portion of the brake lever can engage with different derailleur positions, allowing the same component to perform multiple functions (braking and shifting) that traditionally required separate dedicated components.
2Volume of moving object
If compact control device is designed, then space requirement is reduced, but mechanical reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shifter mechanism is nested within the brake lever structure. The shifter portion is integrated into the brake lever body, with the cable housing and routing arranged to fit within the existing brake lever geometry. This nesting approach allows compact packaging of multiple functions without compromising the mechanical reliability of either function, as each subsystem maintains its structural integrity within the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a release member, a shift operating lever and a release pawl. The release member is pivotally mounted relative to the base member about a pivot axis. The shift operating lever is pivotally mounted relative to the base member. The release pawl is movably mounted on the shift operating lever such that the release pawl is movable from a rest position in a direction away from the pivot axis to a release operating position.