Adjustable Rail Retaining Arrangement for Pannier Weight Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding devices for attaching containers to luggage carriers, such as panniers, often suffer from poor weight distribution, restricted usability, and a bulky appearance due to fixed attachment points, particularly when attaching to the upper strut of the carrier, limiting versatility and aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A holding device comprising an upper rail and a lower fastening element with universal fastening devices, allowing attachment to various positions on the luggage carrier, including downward struts, and featuring adjustable clamps, straps, or ropes for secure and flexible mounting, enabling three-point attachment for stability and adjustable positioning for optimal weight distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If hooks or straps are permanently attached to the upper strut of the luggage carrier, then the container can be securely attached, but the weight distribution becomes poor and the appearance becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically adjustable attachment system where the rail can be positioned at different heights and angles, and the fastening elements can be moved along the rail to different locations. This dynamic flexibility allows the user to optimize both the aesthetic appearance (by attaching lower or at angles) and the attachment security (by adjusting to suitable strut positions), resolving the contradiction between fixed secure attachment and flexible aesthetic positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed attachment points are provided on the luggage carrier, then the assembly is simple, but the adaptability to different container positions and orientations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidposition variability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the attachment system into multiple independent components: a rail that can be positioned at different locations, multiple fastening elements that can be independently adjusted along the rail, and separate mounting points. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and adjusted, providing high adaptability for different container positions and orientations while maintaining relatively simple assembly of each individual component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the container is attached to the upper strut of the luggage carrier, then the attachment is straightforward, but the usability is restricted and the container protrudes considerably at the rear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment easeVSAvoidusability flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal attachment system where the rail and fastening elements can accommodate containers in multiple positions (different heights, orientations, and angles) and can attach to various parts of the luggage carrier structure, not just the upper strut. This multi-functional capability allows the same attachment mechanism to serve multiple purposes and configurations, greatly enhancing usability flexibility while maintaining ease of operation through standardized components.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2552768B1Retaining arrangement for fitting containers on a carrier
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 ORTLIEB SPORTARTIKEL
  • EP2552768B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2552768B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

Retaining arrangement for fitting containers on a carrier, in particular for fitting panniers or similar containers on a luggage rack, wherein the retaining arrangement consists of a rod, rail, strut or plate, wherein the retaining arrangement has, on its one side, variable fitting points for the fitting of elements for fastening the retaining arrangement on the carrier, and, on its other side, fixed or variable-position receiving points, at which a container can be fitted by means of receiving elements present thereon.