Motorcycle Handle Switch Assembly Thumb Index Finger Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motorcycle handle switch assemblies compromise handleability, particularly during deceleration, as they require thumb movement above the handlebar center for gear switching, making it difficult to support the handlebar weight and increasing the risk of erroneous operations.

Innovation Solution

A handle switch assembly design where the first operation switch is positioned below the handle grip for thumb manipulation and the second operation switch is above for index finger use, allowing independent and intuitive control without compromising handleability, with automatic recovery to the off state and distinct positioning to prevent errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the shift switch is disposed above the center of the handle bar to face the driver, then the switch can be easily accessed by the thumb, but the driver cannot hold the handle bar between thumb and index finger and cannot support the weight during deceleration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch accessibilityVSAvoidhandle bar control stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the switching functions into two separate switches: a first operation switch disposed below the handle grip center for thumb operation, and a second operation switch disposed above the handle grip center for index finger operation. This segmentation allows each finger to have its own dedicated switch, resolving the contradiction by enabling both easy switch access and proper handle bar gripping posture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the thumb is moved above the center of the handle bar to manipulate the switch, then the switch can be operated, but the driver cannot maintain proper handle bar grip and support weight during deceleration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch manipulationVSAvoidcompromised handleability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning switches at different locations suitable for different fingers: the first operation switch is placed below the handle grip center where the thumb naturally rests, while the second operation switch is placed above the center where the index finger can reach. This localized positioning ensures each finger operates from its optimal position without compromising overall handleability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single seesaw switch is used for UP/DOWN switching, then the switch structure is simple, but the switches cannot be manipulated independently increasing erroneous operation risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitch structureVSAvoidoperation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the single seesaw switch into two independent operation switches: a first operation switch for one direction of gear change and a second operation switch for the opposite direction. This segmentation increases operational reliability by preventing erroneous operations while maintaining relatively simple switch structures using standard rocker switch components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2163465B1Handle switch assembly for a motorcycle
Publication Date: 2015.08.05 SUZUKI MOTOR CORP
  • EP2163465B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2163465B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2163465B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

There are provided a handle grip (6) mounted to one end of a handle bar (4) steering a front wheel, a switch box (8) mounted to the handle bar (4) at a position adjacent to the handle grip (6) and including a plurality of various switches (11,12,13,14,15), a first operation switch (15) is disposed at a lower portion of the outer side surface of the switch box (8) and is manipulated with the thumb of the driver griping the handle bar (4) with the thumb positioned below the handle bar (4), and a second operation switch is disposed at an upper portion of the front surface of the switch box (8) and is manipulated with the index finger of the driver.