Bicycle Frame Cable Retainer for Internal Routing and Flush Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycles lack efficient and aerodynamic solutions for cable management and storage within hollow tubes, particularly for cables controlling braking and propulsion systems, while maintaining a sleek and functional design.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle frame with a hollow tube featuring a cable retainer system that includes a flexible panel and a latch mechanism, allowing cables to be managed within the tube, and a cover that secures the access opening with a latch that slides or rotates to maintain a flush exterior surface, enabling internal storage and cable organization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable retainer system with flexible panel is installed inside the hollow tube, then cable management effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retainer is divided into a first portion (secured to tube interior) and a second portion (pivoting panel for cable retention). This segmentation allows the system to provide effective cable management while keeping each component simple and manageable, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the flexible panel is designed to pivot relative to the first portion, transitioning between an open position (for cable installation) and a closed position (for cable retention). This dynamic mechanism provides effective cable management without requiring complex fixed structures.
2Reliability
If a cover with latch mechanism is used to close the access opening, then security and aerodynamic appearance are improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to slide or rotate perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube, moving between latched and unlatched states. This dimensional movement provides secure coverage when closed while allowing easy access when needed, balancing security with operational ease.
3Shape
If the latch mechanism slides perpendicular to the tube axis, then aerodynamic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is integrated with the cover assembly, combining the closure and latching functions into a single unified structure. This merging maintains the sleek aerodynamic appearance of the tube exterior while avoiding the need for separate, complex latching components.
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 solution provides effective cable management and storage within the bicycle frame, maintaining an aerodynamic appearance and simplifying the cover construction, while allowing easy access to the internal storage space.
Implementation Method 1
The spring may comprise a flat spring having opposite ends retained to the first portion and intermediate portions resiliently bent to a curved shape along the interior surface of the tube
Implementation Method 2
The connector may comprise a hook and loop fastener
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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Figure 6~8
AI summary
A bicycle may include a frame (322) comprising a hollow tube (400-406, 606) having an interior, a cable (420) passing through the interior, and a cable retainer (352, 952) within the interior. The cable retainer (352, 952) may include a flexible panel (700, 960), in a closed state, wrapped about the cable (420), and a connector (702, 962) releasably securing the flexible panel (700, 960) in the closed state.