Flexible Bicycle Lighting Assembly for Gear Control Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems for bicycles, particularly racing bikes, are not suitable due to their visibility issues, requirement for complex fastening methods, and inability to be retrofitted onto existing control units, leading to hidden lights and interference with brake and gear change operations.
Innovation Solution
A flexible lighting assembly with a shape-coupled connecting element that attaches to the control unit's covering case, allowing easy installation and visibility, featuring intermittent LED lights that can be operated by a push button and controlled wirelessly, enabling use as a directional indicator without hindering aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting systems are fixed to handlebars or frame using brackets or wired systems, then light signaling function is provided, but the system becomes complex and visibility is reduced due to hand coverage during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting assembly is merged with the gear change control unit by integrating the light emitting diodes and control mechanism into a single unified structure. The control unit housing serves as the mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate brackets and wiring systems. This combination resolves the contradiction by providing light signaling functionality while maintaining a simple, compact design that does not interfere with hand visibility or operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear change control unit is designed to serve multiple functions: gear shifting, braking control, and light signaling. By integrating the lighting assembly into the control unit, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or wiring. This universal design resolves the technical contradiction by eliminating device complexity while maintaining visibility through strategic light placement on the control unit exterior.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lighting devices are positioned on existing control units, then retrof fitting is enabled, but the lights may be hidden by the user's hand during brake or gear operations
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting diodes are positioned at specific locations on the control unit housing that are strategically selected to remain visible during hand operations. The lighting assembly includes LEDs arranged to signal from positions not obscured by the user's hand grip, ensuring local visibility quality is maintained while enabling retrof itting to existing control units.
3Strength
If rigid housing is used for control units, then structural strength is provided, but adaptability to existing control devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting assembly incorporates a flexible circuit board and adaptable mounting structure that can conform to various existing control unit shapes and sizes. This flexible design allows the lighting assembly to be retrofitted to different control units while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible yet durable construction, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.
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
The solution provides a visible and accessible lighting system that can be easily mounted on existing gear change control units, enhancing cyclist safety and compliance with traffic rules by allowing retro-fitting and maintaining a sleek, aerodynamic design.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly comprises a lighting device (2), in this case realized through the use of light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A lighting assembly (100) for a gear change and brake control unit (10) for a bicycle of the type comprising a connecting portion (12) for connection to the handlebar (M) of the bicycle and a support (13) connected to the connecting portion (12) and a control lever (14) hinged to the support (13), the assembly (100) comprising a connecting element (1) for the removable connection of the assembly (100) to the support (13) of the control unit (10), a lighting device (2) housed in a rigid housing (20) and a control device (3) connected or connectable to said lighting device (2) for switching said device on and/or off, said connecting element (1) being configured such that the lighting device (2) is positioned in remote position with respect to the control lever (14) when the assembly (100) is connected to the control unit (10), the connecting element (1) comprising a flexible covering (4) connected to said rigid housing (20) of the lighting device (2), said flexible covering (4) being capable of being deformed such that it can be to a coupling portion (13A) of the support (13) of the gear change control unit (10) fitted by means of a shape coupling.