Adjustable Pannier Adapter for Stable Luggage Rack Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adapter systems for attaching bags or containers to luggage carriers, particularly on top of bicycle racks, face issues such as instability, sliding, and incompatibility with different rack geometries, and often obstruct the luggage carrier's top surface when not in use.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system with releasable fixing elements and partially elastic retaining elements that grip and adjust to the luggage carrier's struts, ensuring stability and preventing slippage, while allowing easy mounting and dismounting, and accommodating various rack geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Velcro straps are used for attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but stability deteriorates due to insufficient holding power and slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from friction-based Velcro to mechanical engagement through spring-loaded tensioning elements that create active gripping force. The spring force parameter is adjusted to provide sufficient holding power while maintaining ease of operation through simple compression and release actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded tensioning elements automatically adjust and maintain optimal gripping force without requiring continuous manual adjustment. The spring mechanism self-regulates the attachment pressure, providing stable holding power while remaining easy to operate through simple compression and release actions.
2Reliability
If mounting bracket is permanently attached to luggage rack, then stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to incompatibility with different rack geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate modular components: adjustable mounting brackets that can be repositioned along the rack struts and detachable tensioning elements. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different rack geometries while maintaining stable attachment at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets are designed to be movable and adjustable along the rack struts rather than fixed in permanent positions. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same attachment system to accommodate various rack geometries and configurations while maintaining stability at each adjusted position.
3Reliability
If mounting device extends beyond top surface, then stability is improved, but appearance and usability deteriorate due to disruptive obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets and attachment mechanisms are designed to nest within or along the existing rack structure rather than extending outward. The spring-loaded tensioning elements compress against the rack struts from the inside, and the mounting brackets can be positioned to minimize protrusion, thereby maintaining stability while reducing visual obstruction and improving aesthetic appearance.
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
The adapter system provides secure, stable attachment of bags or containers to luggage carriers, maintains a flat top surface when not in use, and facilitates easy installation and removal, while adapting to different rack configurations.
Implementation Method 1
This element is spring-loaded and pushes the two parts of the element laterally outwards
Implementation Method 2
releasable fixing elements for gripping and/or grasping and/or engaging with struts
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter system (1) for attaching panniers (10) or containers to luggage carriers (21), in particular for attaching panniers (10) or containers to the top of a luggage carrier (21), having releasable fixing elements (20) for engaging around and/or on and/or in struts (22, 3) of a luggage carrier (21), wherein the position of the fixing elements (20) is designed to be adjustable and are arranged on struts (22, 3) and/or cross members or plates or frames of the adapter system, wherein at least one strut and/or cross member and/or plate is designed with a plurality of retaining elements protruding from its surface facing the luggage carrier.