Adjustable Mudguard Connector for Bicycle Wheel Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for mudguards on bicycles are inflexible, making it difficult to maintain the mudguard at a proper distance from the wheel due to varying frame and wheel sizes, necessitating the production of multiple sizes which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable connector comprising a support unit with struts and adjusting elements, and a connection unit with sockets and fasteners, allowing for adjustable positioning of the mudguard relative to the bicycle frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are made in various sizes to accommodate different frame and wheel sizes, then the mudguard can be properly positioned, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs an adjustable length mechanism with a telescopic structure comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube can slide within the outer tube to vary the connector length dynamically, allowing a single connector design to adapt to different frame and wheel sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector enables continuous adjustment of its length parameter through the telescopic mechanism. By changing the extended length of the inner tube relative to the outer tube, the connector can accommodate various distances between the mudguard and wheel, effectively resolving the adaptability issue without increasing device complexity.
2Reliability
If the mudguard is positioned near the wheel for effective mud protection, then mud guarding effectiveness improves, but the risk of wheel contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable connector allows dynamic positioning of the mudguard relative to the wheel. Users can adjust the connector length to achieve the optimal distance that provides effective mud protection while maintaining sufficient clearance to prevent wheel contact, thus resolving the contradiction between protection effectiveness and contact risk.
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
Enables the mudguard to be positioned optimally relative to the wheel, accommodating various frame and wheel sizes, ensuring effective mud protection without interference.
Implementation Method 1
The adjusting element includes a threaded section movably inserted in the longitudinal screw hole
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable connector includes a support unit and a connection unit. The support unit includes a strut and an adjusting element. The strut includes an upper section attached to a mudguard and a lower section made with a longitudinal screw hole. The adjusting element includes a threaded section movably inserted in the longitudinal screw hole. The connection unit includes a socket, a fastener and a screw. The socket includes a longitudinal bore, a transverse aperture and a transverse screw hole. The longitudinal bore receives the adjusting element and the lower section of the strut. The fastener is inserted in a bicycle frame through the transverse aperture. The screw is abutted against the lower section of the strut through the transverse screw hole.