Bicycle Component Elastic Cover Layer Hiding Coupling Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bicycle components often have aesthetically unpleasing appearances due to visible coupling means when no accessories are attached, and these means are susceptible to damage and misalignment on different bicycle types.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle component with a flexible, elastic cover layer made from materials like PVC that extends over coupling spaces when no accessories are attached, forming a continuous, streamlined surface, while allowing access to these spaces for accessory attachment by stretching into the coupling spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If coupling means are provided on the bicycle component, then accessories can be attached to the bicycle component, but the appearance becomes aesthetically unpleasing and the coupling means are susceptible to damage when no accessory is attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to attach accessoriesVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling means are extracted from the visible surface and recessed into coupling spaces, allowing them to be hidden when not in use. The cover layer is then used to completely conceal the coupling spaces, separating the functional element (coupling means) from the aesthetic surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible cover layer is applied over the coupling spaces, allowing it to conform to the surface and provide a continuous, streamlined appearance. The flexibility enables the cover to be stretched or adjusted while maintaining aesthetic coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If coupling means are provided on the bicycle component, then accessories can be attached, but the coupling means are susceptible to damage when no accessory is attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to attach accessoriesVSAvoidsusceptibility to damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling means are extracted from the exposed surface and placed within recessed coupling spaces, physically protecting them from external damage when not in use. The cover layer provides an additional protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover layer serves as a protective covering that shields the coupling means from damage before any accessory is attached. This pre-protective measure prevents exposure to harmful factors during storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Shape

If covering caps are provided to improve appearance, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the covering caps may be lost and the problem remains that the bicycle component has a different appearance at the location of the coupling means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidadditional components required

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover layer is merged with the existing surface of the bicycle component, creating a unified continuous appearance. Rather than adding separate covering caps, the cover layer becomes an integrated part of the surface design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover layer is designed to match the appearance and texture of the surrounding surface, creating visual homogeneity. This eliminates the appearance difference at coupling locations while maintaining the protective and aesthetic functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

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 an aesthetically pleasing appearance by hiding coupling means when not in use, while maintaining accessibility for accessory attachment and protecting against damage and misalignment.

Implementation Method 1

the cover layer is further extensible from the first position to a second position in which the cover layer is situated partially in the coupling space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3434567B1Bicycle component

Publication Date: 2021.06.02 CURANA INVEST

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AI summary

Bicycle component (11) comprising a base element (1) having a wall surface (2) on which a coupling means for releasably coupling an accessory (4) to the bicycle component (11) is provided, wherein the coupling means comprises at least one coupling space (3a, 3b), wherein the bicycle component (11) comprises a cover layer (5) connected to the base element (1) which is made from an elastic material, wherein this cover layer (5), in the extended position, extends along at least part of the wall surface (2) and in doing so covers the coupling means, in that the cover layer (5), in a first position, forms a continuous surface which extends over at least part of the wall surface (2) and the coupling means, in that the cover layer (5) is further extensible from the first position to a second position in which the cover layer (5) is situated in the coupling space (3a, 3b).