Angled Bicycle Mudguard Strut Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for fastening struts to a two-wheeler frame are not compatible with circumferential struts, as they require radial separation to release the connection, which is not feasible due to the strut's design extending radially from the hub.

Innovation Solution

The device features a receptacle with an opening that angles between 30° and 150° relative to the strut's longitudinal extent, allowing for connection release in a direction deviating from the radial direction, enabling secure attachment and release of circumferential struts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a radial opening direction is used in the receptacle, then the connection can be released by pulling parts apart radially, but this design is incompatible with circumferential struts that extend radially from the hub

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different strut typesVSAvoidconnection release mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional radial opening direction to an angled direction (30°-150° relative to the strut's longitudinal extent). This inversion allows the connection release mechanism to accommodate circumferential struts that extend radially from the hub, as the angled opening prevents the strut from blocking the release path while maintaining secure attachment during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of the opening direction from 0° (radial) to 30°-150° (angled). This parameter change resolves the incompatibility between the release mechanism and circumferential struts, allowing both V-shaped and circumferential strut configurations to be used with the same device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the opening leads out in the radial direction, then the connection release is simple, but forces acting in the circumferential direction cannot be properly handled for circumferential struts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection security under circumferential forcesVSAvoidreceptacle opening geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different geometric properties in different parts of the connection system. The receptacle has an angled opening (30°-150°) specifically designed to handle circumferential forces, while the engagement section maintains a simple insertion geometry. This localized geometric differentiation allows the system to reliably handle both radial and circumferential force components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a detachable connection is used that releases under excessive force, then safety is improved by preventing accidents, but accidental detachment may occur under normal circumferential forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against object intrusionVSAvoidresistance to normal operational forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic force response system where the angled opening geometry creates different mechanical behaviors under different force conditions. Under normal circumferential forces, the angled geometry distributes loads to maintain secure attachment. Under excessive radial forces (object intrusion), the connection is designed to release, providing safety while preventing false detachment during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2873597B1Device for fixing a mudguard stay on the frame of a bicycle and assembly of the mudguard stay on the frame of a bicycle
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 SKS METAPLAST SCHEFFER KLUTE GMBH
  • EP2873597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2873597B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2873597B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Device (8) for attaching a circumferential strut (4) to the frame (2) of a two-wheeled vehicle, which serves to support a wheel guard (3), comprising at least a first part (9) that can be attached or fastened to the two-wheeled vehicle or to a section of the circumferential strut (4), and at least a second part (10) that can be attached or fastened to a section of the circumferential strut (4) or to the two-wheeled vehicle, which is connected or can be connected to the first part (9) via a detachable connection that detaches automatically when a force pulling the parts (9, 10) apart exceeds a predetermined limit value, wherein the separation of the parts (9, 10) when the connection is released in the state mounted on the two-wheeled vehicle occurs in a direction (17) that deviates from the radial direction (18) of the wheel (1) of the two-wheeled vehicle in the area of ​​the circumferential strut (4).