Back-Carried Flexible Weather Shield for Rental Bicycles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weather protection systems for mobile devices are costly, heavy, and difficult to install on rental or self-service bicycles, limiting their accessibility and affordability.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, flexible protection device with a deformable frame and carrying system, allowing easy attachment to the steering member of any mobile machine, featuring a transparent visor and rear skirt for user mobility and visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If rigid protective shells are used, then protection against bad weather is improved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against bad weatherVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid protective shells with a flexible canvas wall that provides weather protection while being significantly lighter. The flexible wall can be made of waterproof or water-resistant materials that protect against rain and wind without the weight penalty of rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite construction combining a flexible canvas wall with a lightweight frame structure. The frame provides structural support while the canvas provides weather protection, creating a composite system that achieves protection without the weight of solid rigid shells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If pre-installed fastening systems are used, then installation is simplified, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to install the protective device themselves using simple attachment mechanisms that require no specialized tools or pre-installed components on the bicycle. The device includes its own attachment means that can be directly fixed to the bicycle frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The protective device is divided into separate modular components (frame, canvas wall, attachment means) that can be independently assembled and installed. This segmentation allows for simple step-by-step installation without requiring complex pre-assembled fastening systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If heavy protective structures are used, then durability is improved, but portability and ease of transport deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidease of transport
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible canvas wall provides sufficient durability for weather protection while being lightweight and easily foldable. The flexibility of the material allows it to withstand environmental conditions without requiring heavy rigid construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing the entire device to be folded compactly for transport and then expanded when needed. This dynamic structure maintains durability during use while enabling easy portability when folded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device provides effective, easy-to-install, and affordable weather protection that adapts to user movement, ensuring visibility and safety without requiring pre-installed fixings, suitable for various mobile machines.

Implementation Method 1

a frame consisting of at least one elastically deformable flexible rod or at least one tensioning hoop in order to fold the device into the non-use position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3718871B1Individual protection against bad weather
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 RAINJOY
  • EP3718871B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3718871B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3718871B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Personal protective device (1) against weather conditions intended for the protection of a user (U) using a rolling machine (ER), the device (1) comprising a protective wall (2), characterized in that the device is carried on the back of the user by a carrying system (4) and consists of a flexible wall (2) which extends from the carrying system to be positioned above the head of the user towards the front while fastening means (5) are provided to fix the free front end of the protective wall to the steering element (MD) of the rolling machine (ER).