Bicycle Dropout Recess for Flush Light and Luggage Carrier Mounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle designs face challenges in securely and easily attaching light elements and luggage racks due to the presence of multiple different fastening means, which can be cumbersome and aesthetically undesirable, especially when converting between configurations with and without these components.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle frame design featuring a recess at the dropout that allows for flush integration of light elements and receiving shoes, which can be connected to luggage racks or other add-on parts, enabling easy and secure attachment with optional press fits and separate fastening means, allowing for versatile configuration without excess hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different fastening means are provided on the bicycle frame, then various components (light elements, luggage racks, etc.) can be attached, but the device complexity increases and excess hardware remains on the frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of fastening means
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal mounting system where a single recess structure serves multiple functions: it can accommodate light elements directly, receive mounting shoes for luggage racks, and provide attachment points for other add-on parts. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms for different component types, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges previously separate fastening functions into a single integrated recess structure on the bicycle frame. Instead of having distinct mounting mechanisms for lights, luggage racks, and other accessories, all these attachment functions are combined into one standardized recess interface, reducing the overall number of fastening means while maintaining attachment compatibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different fastening means are provided on the bicycle frame, then various components can be attached, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible hardware

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent attachmentVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the visible fastening hardware from the exterior of the bicycle frame by providing recesses that accommodate mounting shoes and light elements. The fastening mechanism is effectively hidden within the recess structure, allowing components to be attached while maintaining a clean, aesthetically pleasing frame appearance without exposed bolts, clips, or other hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If separate fastening means are used for light elements and luggage racks, then each component can be securely attached, but the conversion between configurations becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidconfiguration conversion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The universal recess structure allows the same mounting interface to securely attach different component types (light elements, luggage racks, add-on parts) through standardized mounting shoes. This universality enables easy configuration conversion by simply removing one component and installing another using the same recess, eliminating the need to convert between different fastening systems while maintaining secure attachment for each component type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3590808B1Method for fixing a luggage carrier to a bicycle, bicycle as well as bicycle frame and lighting element for such a bicycle
Publication Date: 2021.10.13 WINORA STAIGER
  • EP3590808B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3590808B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3590808B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a bicycle comprising a bicycle frame (1) wherein at least one recess (82) is provided on the bicycle frame, and in particular on a dropout (8), which is designed such that a light element can be inserted and attached therein, and, instead of and/or in combination with the light element (80), a mounting shoe (112) can be inserted and attached, wherein the mounting shoe is connected to or attachable to a luggage carrier (110) or other attachments. The invention further relates to a light element, a mounting shoe, and a luggage carrier for such a bicycle, as well as a method for attaching a luggage carrier to a bicycle.