Axle Adapter Assembly for Interchangeable Wheel Hub Bore Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current axle systems for two-wheeled vehicles face challenges in accommodating different wheel hub center bore sizes, leading to friction issues and difficulties in wheel interchangeability, especially under extreme riding conditions.
Innovation Solution
An axle adapter assembly that includes adapters and axle pinch shims, allowing axles of varying diameters to be interchangeably installed on the same fork, using a system of dropouts, adapters, and pinch bolts to securely fit different wheel hub sizes, minimizing friction and enabling easy wheel swaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed axle system is used for a specific wheel hub size, then the axle fits precisely and provides stable support, but it cannot accommodate wheel hubs with different center bore sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter assembly as an intermediary component between the fixed axle and wheel hubs of different sizes. The adapter includes a body that fits over the fixed axle and features different bore sizes to accommodate various wheel hub centers, thereby enabling versatility without modifying the original axle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The axle system is segmented into distinct components: the fixed axle, the adapter assembly, and the wheel hub. This segmentation allows the adapter to be removed and replaced depending on the wheel hub size needed, providing adaptability while keeping the core axle structure simple and unchanged.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are added to accommodate different wheel hub sizes, then versatility is improved, but friction increases during telescopic sliding motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates bushings made of a compliant material such as polymer or rubber within the adapter assembly. These bushings act as flexible elements that reduce friction between the adapter and the wheel hub, allowing smooth telescopic sliding motion while maintaining the adaptability to different hub sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters are used for different axle diameters, then axle interchangeability is enabled, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple axle diameters through a single adapter body. The adapter includes features such as adjustable clamps or universal mounting interfaces that can secure different sized axles, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters for each axle diameter.
Data Source
AI summary
An axle adapter assembly, configured for enabling conversion of an axle installed on a vehicle to fit different center bore sizes of wheel hubs, including: an axle configured for coupling dropouts of fork legs of a lower fork; adapters configured for being inserted within the dropouts; the adapters configured for engaging an outer surface of the axle and retaining the axle upon engagement; and axle pinch shims configured for being inserted into slits of the dropouts and the adapters, wherein upon the insertion, the adapters are aligned with the dropouts, such that shoulders of the adapters retain edges of a wheel hub of the wheel hubs.