Bicycle Axle Simplified Structure Using Merged Engaging Projections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle axles have complex structures and high manufacturing and assembly costs due to intricate designs and processing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle axle design featuring a mandrel with a radially protruding head portion and a sleeve member with a flange and engaging projections, allowing for a simple structure and easy assembly, where the sleeve member is restricted by the engaging projections to prevent disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bicycle axle design with intricate engaging structures (thread, engaging projection) is used, then the sleeve member can be prevented from disengaging from the axial member, but the structure becomes complicated and processing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging portion is integrated directly into the axial rod as a radial protrusion, merging the function of engagement into the existing structure rather than using separate components like threads or engaging projections on both parts. This simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the prevention of sleeve member disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex engaging structures (threads, engaging projections) are extracted and replaced with a simpler radial protrusion design. The essential function of preventing disengagement is retained while removing unnecessary structural complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional bicycle axle design with intricate engaging structures is used, then the sleeve member can be prevented from disengaging from the axial member, but the processing and assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging function is merged into the axial rod's radial protrusion design, eliminating the need for separate engaging projections or threaded structures. This reduces processing steps and assembly complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable prevention of sleeve member disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses a simple radial protrusion that can be easily manufactured with standard machining processes, replacing expensive and complex engaging structures. The simplicity of the design reduces both processing time and material waste.
3Ease of operation
If conventional bicycle axle design is used, then the axial member can be driven to rotate by a driving tool, but the overall structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The driving tool engagement function is merged with the radial protrusion structure. The same radial protrusion that prevents sleeve member disengagement also provides the interface for driving tool engagement, eliminating the need for separate driving interfaces and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial protrusion serves multiple functions: preventing sleeve member disengagement and providing an engagement interface for the driving tool. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall axle structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A bicycle axle (1) is provided, including a mandrel (10) and a sleeve member (20). The mandrel (10) defines an axial direction (A) and includes an axial rod (11) and a head portion (12) radially protruding from an end of the axial rod (11). The sleeve member (20) is sleeved to the head portion (12) and includes a flange (21) radially extending inwardly. Wherein one of the axial rod (11) and the sleeve member (20) has an engaging portion (13) radially disposed thereon, the engaging portion (13) and the flange (21) are overlapped with the head portion (12) in the axial direction (A), and the sleeve member (20) is rotatably restricted to the head portion (12) by the engaging portion (13).