Bicycle End Cap Routing Hydraulic Lines
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle end caps fail to efficiently route bicycle line shape members, such as hydraulic hoses and control cables, through the frame while minimizing aerodynamic drag and ensuring secure attachment and routing within the bicycle frame.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle end cap with a tubular portion and attachment structure, featuring a positioning portion and through holes, allows for secure attachment of a pulling member and routing of line shape members through the frame, providing a smooth transition and retention mechanism for the cables and hoses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the bicycle line shape members are routed along the exterior surface of the bicycle frame, then the routing is simple and accessible, but the aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the routing path from the exterior surface (2D plane) to the interior of the frame (3D space), allowing the line shape members to pass through the frame structure rather than along its outer surface, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag while maintaining routing feasibility
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the line shape member is routed through the bicycle frame, then the aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the attachment and routing security becomes difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is divided into multiple functional components: a positioning portion with engagement protrusions that locate and secure the line shape member, and a retention structure with clamping elements that prevent displacement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively, ensuring overall attachment security
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning portion acts as an intermediary between the line shape member and the frame, providing engagement protrusions that interface with corresponding features on the line shape member. This intermediary structure ensures secure attachment while allowing the member to be routed through the frame interior
3Reliability
If a retention mechanism is added to secure the line shape member, then the attachment security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is merged with the end cap assembly itself rather than being a separate component. The positioning portion and retention structure are integrated into the end cap, which is already part of the frame assembly, thereby providing secure attachment without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle end cap has a first end and a second end that is opposite to the first end for attaching to a bicycle line shape member. The bicycle end cap includes a tubular portion and an attachment structure. The tubular portion is arranged at the first end and defining a receiving space that is dimensioned to axially receive the line shape member from the first end. The attachment structure is configured to attach a pulling member having a cable portion and a head portion that has larger diameter than the cable portion. The attachment structure is configured to position the head portion relative to the tubular portion as the cable portion is pulled toward the second end.