Handlebar Actuator for Bicycle Suspension Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle suspension systems require riders to manually adjust controls while dismounted or reach down, making it impractical to change suspension settings while riding, especially for mountain bikes on rough terrain.
Innovation Solution
A handlebar-mounted actuator with a plunger and latching ring mechanism that pulls and releases a control cable, allowing riders to adjust suspension systems conveniently and safely during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the suspension control device is located on the bicycle fork or rear frame component, then the suspension system can be adjusted, but the rider cannot easily or safely operate it while riding
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is relocated from the traditional horizontal plane (fork or frame components) to the vertical plane (handlebar), allowing the rider to access and operate the suspension control in a natural riding position without dismounting or reaching down, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rider reaches down to twist a knob on the front or rear suspension system, then the suspension settings can be changed, but the operation becomes impractical while riding
Solution Approach 1:
The handlebar-mounted actuator serves multiple functions: it controls the suspension system while allowing the rider to remain in a normal riding position, and it can be integrated with existing handlebar controls. This multi-functional placement resolves the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation by making the system accessible from a universal, ergonomic location
3Ease of operation
If the control device is relocated to the handlebar, then the rider can easily and safely operate it during riding, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is nested within the handlebar structure, with the plunger and latching ring housed inside the handlebar mounting. This nesting approach allows the control device to be easily operated from the handlebar position while containing the mechanical complexity within a compact, integrated unit, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator for pulling and releasing a bicycle control cable, including an actuator body including a hollow interior. A plunger is disposed in the hollow interior and is axially movable. The plunger includes at least one driving lug and at least one latching lug. A latching ring is rotatably disposed in the hollow interior, the rotation of which by the plunger lugs creates a cable pull and a cable release state of the actuator.