Modular Human-Powered Vehicle Operating Device with Detachable Housing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing human-powered vehicle operating devices lack adaptability to various specifications, making it difficult to seamlessly integrate and replace components such as electric components and switch units, which limits their versatility and functionality.

Innovation Solution

The operating device comprises a base structure, a switch unit, an electric component, and an electric-component housing that allows for easy detachment and reattachment, enabling the replacement of electric components and switch units, and includes features like a wireless communicator, power-supply accommodating space, and a housing fastener for secure and flexible mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the operating device uses a fixed integrated structure, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to various specifications is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various specificationsVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The operating device is divided into separate modular components: a base structure, an electric-component housing containing electric components, and a switch unit. These modules can be independently replaced or configured based on different specifications, enabling adaptability without requiring complete device redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base structure serves as a universal platform that can accommodate different electric-component housings and switch units through standardized mounting interfaces. This universal base allows the same platform to support multiple configurations for different vehicle types and specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the electric component is permanently fixed to the base structure, then the mounting is stable, but the replacement and adaptation to different specifications is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoidmounting stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system transitions from a permanent fixed connection to a dynamic detachable connection. The electric-component housing can be detached from and reattached to the base structure, providing both stability during operation and ease of replacement when adaptation is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The electric-component housing acts as an intermediary component between the base structure and the electric components. It provides a standardized interface for attachment and detachment, enabling easy replacement while maintaining stable mounting during use through proper fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the switch unit is permanently integrated, then the device structure is simplified, but the adaptability to different switch specifications is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to switch specificationsVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch unit is separated as an independent detachable module from the base structure. This segmentation allows different switch units with various specifications to be mounted on the same base structure, providing adaptability while keeping the overall assembly process straightforward through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the electric component is exposed without housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the protection from environmental factors is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from environmentsVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric-component housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides environmental protection for the electric components, offers a standardized mounting interface for attachment to the base structure, and enables easy detachment for replacement. This multi-functional design provides protection without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11827307B2Operating device for human-powered vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.11.28 SHIMANO INC
  • US11827307B2 patent drawing
  • US11827307B2 patent drawing
  • US11827307B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An operating device for a human-powered vehicle comprises a base structure, a switch unit, an electric component, and an electric-component housing. The base structure is configured to be mounted to the human-powered vehicle. The switch unit is configured to be activated in response to a user input. The electric component is configured to be electrically connected to the switch unit. The electric-component housing is configured to be detachably coupled to the base structure. The electric-component housing is configured to support the electric component such that the electric component is detachably coupled to the base structure via the electric-component housing.