Laser Pivot Arm Alignment for Mirror-Symmetrical Bike Controls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing alignment devices for bicycles and similar vehicles lack precision and ease in aligning components such as brake levers and gearshift levers, particularly when these components are mirror-symmetrical, and often require insecure attachment methods.

Innovation Solution

An alignment device with a swivel arm and laser, featuring a vehicle coupling with a rotary bearing device, allowing secure attachment to the vehicle and enabling precise alignment of components through rotational and tilting adjustments, using a locking mechanism to fix the swivel arm in position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual alignment methods are used, then the alignment process is simple, but the alignment precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual alignment with an optical measurement system using a laser that projects reference lines and points. The laser alignment device provides precise optical references that eliminate the imprecision of eye-based alignment while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive visual cues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a laser as an intermediary tool between the alignment device and the vehicle components. The laser projects visible reference lines and points that serve as mediators, allowing the user to accurately align brake levers, gear levers, and other components without direct mechanical contact or complex measurement procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the pivot arm is made adjustable for precise alignment, then alignment precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a pivot arm with articulation capabilities that allow dynamic adjustment of the laser's position and angle. The pivot bearing device enables smooth rotation and positioning, making the adjustable system as easy to operate as a fixed one while achieving superior alignment precision through multiple degrees of freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is designed to secure the pivot arm in the desired position after adjustment. This preliminary locking action maintains the aligned position during use, allowing the user to adjust once for precision and then easily lock it, combining adjustability with operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a locking device is added to fix the pivot arm position, then alignment stability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is designed to be self-operating through a simple mechanism that the user can engage and disengage without additional tools or complex procedures. The locking device serves itself by maintaining the aligned position passively once locked, reducing the need for continuous active control and minimizing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If the laser can be rotated and positioned precisely, then alignment precision improves, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot arm provides dynamic rotation capability with smooth movement characteristics. The articulation allows the laser to be rotated and positioned in multiple directions with ease, making the precise positioning as intuitive as natural hand movements while achieving high alignment precision through the extended range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4589244B1Alignment device for a two- or three-wheeled vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 KARL A STEINEL GMBH
  • EP4589244B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4589244B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4589244B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to an alignment device for a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, wherein the alignment device comprises a pivot arm with a laser attached thereto and a vehicle coupling. To enable simple and precise alignment of at least one attachment part of a two- or three-wheeled vehicle, according to the invention the vehicle coupling comprises a pivot bearing device that can be firmly connected to the two- or three-wheeled vehicle. The pivot arm is articulated to the pivot bearing device, and a locking device is formed on the articulated connection between the pivot arm and the pivot bearing device.