Retractable Bicycle Cross Bar Adaptor With Rotating Clamp Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable bicycle cross bar adaptors have complex designs and high manufacturing costs due to numerous parts with intricate shapes, making them costly to produce and less competitive in the market.
Innovation Solution
A retractable bicycle cross bar adaptor with a simplified structure featuring a bar composed of two normal tubes and a rotatable control unit, where the second part with inner and outer threads and tapered faces allows easy length adjustment by rotating to clamp or release the second tube relative to the first tube, reducing the need for complex machining and minimizing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable bicycle cross bar adaptor uses a complex movable unit with multiple springs and sliding parts to enable length adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cross bar adaptor is divided into a first tube and a second tube that can slide relative to each other. The second tube is inserted into the first tube, creating distinct functional segments that enable length adjustment while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation allows independent movement of the second tube to achieve extension and retraction without requiring complex internal mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex movable unit with springs that pushes parts back and forth, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple sliding insertion where the second tube directly slides into the first tube. The control unit simply needs to hold or release the second tube, reversing the conventional approach of active spring-driven movement to a passive friction-based holding mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the movable unit and securing unit include many parts with different sizes and shapes for length adjustment, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it holds the second tube in position, releases the second tube for movement, and secures the adjusted length. This single multi-functional component replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized parts (springs, sliders, stops, securing mechanisms), significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining full length adjustment capability.
3Reliability
If a retractable bicycle cross bar adaptor uses a complex control mechanism with multiple parts to secure the tubes, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit utilizes the natural friction and interference fit between the threaded connection and the tube surfaces to hold the second tube in position. The tapered outer face of the control unit automatically engages with the inner tapered face of the first tube, creating a self-locking mechanism that maintains the adjusted length without requiring additional springs, clips, or complex securing parts.
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 a cost-effective and easy-to-manufacture bicycle cross bar adaptor with stable and reliable length adjustment, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The tapered outer face of the control unit is matched with the inner tapered face of the first tube
Implementation Method 2
The control unit includes inner and outer threads
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
A bicycle retractable bicycle cross bar adaptor includes a bar having a first tube, a second tube and a control unit. The first tube has a first connection end and the second tube has a second connection end. The control unit includes a first part and a second part. The first part includes a head on the first end thereof, outer threads formed to the outer surface of the first part, and multiple plates extending from the second end of the first parts. The second connection end is slidably inserted into the first connection end in the first part. The second part is rotatably and movably mounted to the first part to press the plates to clamp the second tube to secure the second tube, or to release the plates so that the second tube is movable relative to the first tube.