Bicycle Axle Guard Positive Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional axle guards for bicycles fail to securely attach to the wheel axles during shipping, leading to exposure and potential injury or damage due to their loose friction fit, causing the axles to poke through shipping cartons.

Innovation Solution

An improved axle guard design that uses a positive connection between the axle and guard, secured by the wheel nut, which slides over the axle and is tightened to prevent dislodgment, ensuring secure attachment between the axle nut and wheel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a friction fit design is used to attach the axle guard to the axle, then the guard can be easily installed, but the guard easily falls off during insertion and movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidattachment reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical attachment system with a positive locking mechanism. The clamp down feature of the axle guard engages with the axle to create a rigid, non-friction-based connection that prevents the guard from falling off during handling and shipping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the attachment parameter from friction-dependent (loose fit) to positive mechanical engagement (clamped fit). This parameter change transforms the attachment reliability from low to high while maintaining ease of installation through the same clamping mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the axle guard is loosely fitted on the axle, then installation is simple, but the exposed axle end pokes through the carton causing damage and safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidcarton damage and safety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the inadequate friction fit mechanical system with a positive locking clamp mechanism. This substitution ensures the axle guard remains securely attached, preventing the axle end from poking through the carton and eliminating the associated damage and safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-securing the axle guard to the axle using the clamp down feature before placing the bicycle in the carton. This preliminary securing action prevents the harmful effect of the axle poking through the carton during shipping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If a secure positive connection is used to attach the guard to the axle, then the guard remains attached during shipping, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguard attachment reliabilityVSAvoidattachment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the axle guard serve multiple functions: it protects the axle end, provides a clamp down feature for secure attachment, and works with the existing axle nut. This multi-functionality achieves reliable attachment without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by designing the axle guard to be installed and secured using the existing axle nut and washer, without requiring separate fastening components. The guard's own structure provides the clamp down feature, eliminating the need for additional complex attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the axle guard is secured between the axle nut and wheel, then the guard cannot become dislodged during movement, but the installation process requires precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguard retention during shippingVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by positioning the axle guard on the axle before tightening the axle nut. This preliminary positioning ensures the guard is correctly placed between the nut and wheel, allowing for reliable retention during shipping while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10745183B2Axle guard for packaging a bicycle

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 HUFFY CORP

AI summary

A method of packaging a bicycle having at least one wheel axle with exposed ends in a shipping carton. The method includes attaching a guard over at least one of the exposed ends of the axle by sliding the axle through a slotted opening in the guard and using the guard to tighten a fastener to positively secure the guard on the axle. A distal surface of the guard is aligned with a side of the carton and the bicycle is placed into the carton with the distal guard surface adjacent to a side of the carton.