Bicycle Electronic Device Caddy with Cam Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device caddies for bicycles often fail to securely retain devices during rough riding conditions, leading to ejection of the device from the caddy.
Innovation Solution
A caddy design featuring a first tray portion with spaced lengthwise channels and an end cage, and a second tray portion with slideable rails and a cam surface locking mechanism, along with a bungee cord to securely hold different size electronic devices, and a mounting bracket for attachment to bicycle handlebars.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a bungee cord is used to retain the electronic device, then the device can be easily loaded and removed, but the device may still be ejected during rough riding conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy is divided into two tray portions (first and second) that can move independently relative to each other along channels. This segmentation allows the trays to be easily separated for device insertion/removal while maintaining secure connection when locked together, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. When unlocked, the bungee cord allows easy tray separation for device access. When locked, the cam surface mechanism secures the trays together to prevent device ejection during rough conditions, thus adapting to different operational requirements.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the device, then device retention improves, but the complexity of the caddy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the existing tray and channel structures. The cam surface is formed on the channel itself, and the locking ear is part of the tray portion, merging the locking function with the structural components rather than adding separate complex locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the natural movement of the trays. When the second tray portion is moved along the channel, the cam surface automatically engages with the locking ear to secure the position, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the caddy accommodates different size devices, then versatility improves, but the securing reliability may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The channel-rail locking mechanism is designed with universal applicability. The cam surface and locking ear configuration works effectively regardless of the specific device size placed between the trays, providing consistent retention reliability across various device dimensions while maintaining versatility.
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 design securely retains electronic devices during rough conditions while allowing easy loading and unloading, accommodating various device sizes and ensuring stability through the locking mechanism and bungee cord.
Implementation Method 1
the cam surface engages the first tray portion frictionally urging the rail against an inside surface of the channel
Implementation Method 2
a bungee cord biases two caddy tray portions about the electronic device securing the electronic device in the caddy
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device caddy includes a first tray portion with at least two spaced lengthwise channels and an end cage and a second tray portion also including an end cage and at least two lengthwise rails slideable in the spaced channels of the first tray portion to load and accommodate different size electronic devices between the end cages. A locking mechanism releasably locks at least one rail in its channel. A mounting bracket is attached rearward of one tray portion.