Bicycle Drop-Out Mounting Structure for Vibration-Resistant Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle frames face issues with the drop-out assembly being released due to impacts or vibrations, posing a safety risk as it can separate from the frame along with the rear wheel, leading to potential user injury.
Innovation Solution
A drop-out mounting structure featuring an assembly slot and a stopper unit with protrusions that securely fasten the drop-out member to the stay frame, preventing separation even when the bolt is loosened by external forces, using a combination of assembly slots and stopper protrusions to maintain the drop-out member's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drop-out assembly is fastened to the frame by a bolt, then the assembly can be easily installed and removed, but the assembly may be released from the frame by impact or vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The drop-out member is divided into multiple functional segments: a stopper unit with stopper protrusions for preventing removal, an axle insertion groove for wheel mounting, and bolt coupling holes for fastening. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function effectively, combining ease of installation with secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper protrusions are designed to preliminarily prevent the drop-out member from being pulled away from the frame before any bolt loosening can occur. This preliminary anti-action counteracts the harmful effect of impact or vibration that might otherwise cause the bolt to loosen and the assembly to detach.
2Strength
If the bolt is used to fasten the drop-out assembly, then the assembly can be securely attached, but the assembly may separate when the bolt loosens due to impact or vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper protrusions provide preliminary protection against the harmful effect of bolt loosening by physically blocking the drop-out member from moving away from the frame. This preliminary anti-action ensures that even if the bolt loosens due to impact or vibration, the assembly cannot separate.
Solution Approach 2:
The design converts the potential harm of bolt loosening into a benefit by using the stopper protrusions to maintain the functional connection between the drop-out member and frame. The stopper protrusions ensure that the axle insertion groove remains properly positioned relative to the drop-out mounting unit, converting a failure mode into a maintained functional state.
3Reliability
If the drop-out member is designed with a stopper unit extending beyond the assembly slot opening, then the member is prevented from separating, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper unit is merged with the drop-out member as an integrated structure rather than a separate component. The stopper protrusions are formed as part of the drop-out member's body, combining the functions of structural support and separation prevention into a single unified component, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drop-out member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the wheel axle through the axle insertion groove, enables secure attachment to the frame via bolt coupling holes, and prevents separation through the stopper protrusions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A drop-out mounting structure for mounting a drop-out member as a wheel mounting unit to a drop-out mounting unit of a bicycle frame is disclosed. The drop-out mounting structure includes: upper and lower assembly slots respectively formed at an upper end and a lower end of the drop-out mounting unit to insert the drop-out member inside the drop-out mounting unit; and a stopper unit formed in a front and rear direction at an upper end part of the drop-out member. In particular, the drop-out member is inserted to the lower assembly slot through the upper assembly slot by turning the drop-out member in a direction and turned in other direction while being moved in a rear side such that the drop-out member supports an inner upper end of the drop-out mounting unit through the stopper unit, and is fastened to the drop-out mounting unit by the bolt.