Bicycle Brake Lever Reach Adjustment via Threaded Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle brake assemblies lack a convenient mechanism for adjusting the position of the brake lever relative to the handlebar to accommodate individual rider preferences, limiting comfort and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A brake assembly featuring a body, piston, link, and adjuster mechanism that allows for pivoting and rotational adjustments of the lever, enabling the adjustment of the brake lever's position between a near and far position through an intermediate range, facilitated by a threaded connection and cam surface interaction, allowing for precise alignment with the handlebar.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed brake lever position is used, then the structure is simple, but the rider cannot adjust to fit personal preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The brake lever is designed with dynamic adjustability through a threaded connection between the lever and the bridge. The lever can be rotated along the threaded engagement to change its position relative to the handlebar, transitioning from a fixed state to an adjustable state. This allows the system to adapt to different rider preferences while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the brake lever is adjusted by changing the rotational parameter of the lever along the threaded connection. By rotating the lever to different angular positions, the distance between the lever and the handlebar is modified, enabling continuous adjustment within a specific range while maintaining a secure mechanical connection.
2Manufacturing precision
If the lever position is adjustable through threading, then precise positioning is achieved, but the adjustment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection provides precise positioning by converting rotational motion into linear displacement. The pitch of the thread determines the precision of positioning, allowing small incremental adjustments. The lever can be rotated to achieve exact desired positions while the threading mechanism maintains secure engagement at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the threaded connection for precise positioning, the cam surface for limiting rotation, and the bridge for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable.
3Length of moving object
If rotation of lever is unlimited, then maximum adjustment range is achieved, but improper positioning occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface is designed to preemptively prevent over-rotation of the lever before improper positioning occurs. As the lever rotates toward the limit of its adjustment range, the cam surface engages with the bridge to physically block further rotation, ensuring the lever remains within the safe and functional angular range while still providing substantial adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface acts as an intermediary mechanism between the lever and the bridge. It mediates the rotational movement by allowing free rotation within the desired range while automatically engaging to prevent rotation beyond the limits. This intermediary component ensures reliable positioning without requiring complex locking mechanisms.
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
Enables convenient and precise adjustment of the brake lever's position to fit the rider's preferences, enhancing comfort and control by allowing the finger contact point to be set between a near and far position, thereby improving the braking experience.
Implementation Method 1
The adjuster may be coupled to the link by a threaded connection
Implementation Method 2
The lever may comprise a cam surface, and the cam surface of the lever is in contact with the flange surface of the adjuster
Implementation Method 3
a piston configured for movement at least partially within the body to actuate hydraulic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A brake assembly for a handlebar of a bicycle is disclosed. The brake assembly may be configured so that the position of the brake lever relative to the handlebar may conveniently be adjusted to fit the preferences of the rider/operator of the bicycle (e.g. adjustment of the default position of the lever relative to the handlebar for the “reach adjust” feature). Adjustment of the default position of the lever relative to the body and handlebar may be provided between a near distance/position through an intermediate distance/position to a far distance/position (e.g. adjustment of “finger contact point”/reference point on brake lever relative to handlebar for preference of a rider/operator of the bicycle).