Bicycle Quick-Release Clamp with Asymmetric Threads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-release clamps for bicycle wheels are cumbersome to use, often requiring hand tools for installation and removal, and can lead to wheels being fitted at an angle, compromising the cycle's performance due to insufficient clearance and misalignment of clamping means.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release clamp with a threaded shaft featuring left-hand and right-hand external screw threads allows for continuous variable adjustment of clamping means, ensuring alignment and providing sufficient clearance for easy wheel fitting and removal without tools, using cam handles with eccentric parts and handles for precise clamping force adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single clamping means is used in existing quick-release clamps, then the device complexity is reduced, but sufficient clearance for easy wheel fitting and removal cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release clamp is divided into two separate clamping means (first and second clamping means) positioned at opposite ends of the threaded shaft. Each clamping means independently contributes to creating clearance, allowing the wheel to be easily fitted and removed without requiring excessive adjustment of a single clamping mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping means position is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various wheel and fork dimensions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping means are made adjustable along the threaded shaft, allowing their positions to be dynamically changed to accommodate different wheel and fork dimensions. The threaded shaft enables continuous adjustment of the distance between the two clamping means, providing versatility for various configurations while maintaining a relatively simple structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If cam handles with eccentric parts are used, then precise clamping force adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam handles incorporate eccentric parts that automatically generate the required clamping force through their rotational motion. As the handle is rotated, the eccentric part progressively increases the clamping force until the wheel is securely clamped, eliminating the need for complex force measurement or adjustment mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If left-hand and right-hand external screw threads are used on the threaded shaft, then continuous variable adjustment of clamping means is enabled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded shaft features asymmetric threading with left-hand external screw thread at one end and right-hand external screw thread at the other end. This asymmetric design allows the two clamping means to be adjusted in opposite directions simultaneously, enabling continuous variable adjustment of the distance between clamping means while maintaining manageable manufacturing tolerances through the self-aligning nature of the threaded connection.
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
Enables easy and secure fitting and removal of wheels without tools, maintaining optimal alignment and tension, accommodating various wheel and fork dimensions, and ensuring reliable clamping force across different wheel and fork configurations.
Implementation Method 1
each cam handle comprising an eccentric part which, after the cam handle has been fitted on the threaded shaft, is rotatable about an axis at right angles to the threaded shaft and eccentric with respect to this eccentric part
Implementation Method 2
the first end of said threaded shaft being provided with a left-hand external screw thread and the second end of said threaded shaft being provided with a right-hand external screw thread
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a quick-release clamp (1) for fitting a wheel in a fork of a cycle in a simple manner and without requiring adjustment, comprising a threaded shaft (4), which is designed to be fitted through the wheel hub (2), and clamping means (5a, 5b) which are designed to be attached at the ends (4a, 4b) of the threaded shaft (4), which are rotatable between an open position, intended to fit the wheel in the fork or to remove it therefrom, and a closed position, intended to clamp the wheel with the wheel hub (2) between the teeth (3 a, 3b) of the fork, in which the first end (4a) of the threaded shaft (4) is provided with a left-hand screw thread and the second end (4b) with a right-hand screw thread. The present invention also relates to a wheel comprising such a quick-release clamp (1) and a cycle comprising such a quick-release clamp (1).