Bicycle Frame Cable Insert With Elastic Clamping Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable inserts for bicycle frames require specific frame designs and additional tensile stress for secure attachment, limiting their versatility across different frame types and materials, and complicating assembly and disassembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A cable insert system comprising two elements with a fastening mechanism that clamps onto the frame's sidewall without deformation, allowing secure attachment to various frame sizes and materials without additional tension, and enabling easy disassembly and reassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the insert uses form-fitting locking or tensile stress for secure attachment, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different frame types is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different frame types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is divided into two separate elements: a first insert element that covers the opening and a second insert element that is pushed into the frame. This segmentation allows each element to have specialized functions - the first element provides coverage and aesthetic finish, while the second element provides secure attachment through deformation-free clamping. The separation enables the system to adapt to different frame types while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening mechanism uses elastic deformation of the second insert element during the attachment process. The element is deformed to fit into the opening, then springs back to create a secure, form-fitting connection without requiring additional tensile stress on the cable. This dynamic approach allows the insert to adapt to slight variations in frame dimensions while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the insert requires additional tensile stress for secure attachment, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic deformation mechanism allows the second insert element to be easily inserted by simply pushing it into the opening. The elastic material naturally springs back to create the secure connection, eliminating the need for additional tensile stress or complex fastening operations. For disassembly, the elastic element can be easily deformed back to its original shape, allowing simple removal without tools or excessive force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The second insert element's elastic properties enable it to perform the fastening function automatically upon insertion. The element self-adjusts through elastic deformation to create a secure connection without requiring external tensile stress or additional fastening steps. This self-service mechanism simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the insert deforms the fastening element for attachment, then the adaptability to different frame configurations is improved, but the manufacturing precision is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different frame configurationsVSAvoidmanufacturing precision of fastening element
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the insert into two elements, the deformation requirement is isolated to only the second insert element, which is specifically designed with elastic properties. The first insert element maintains high manufacturing precision for aesthetic and functional requirements. This segmentation allows the deformed element to provide adaptability while the non-deformed element maintains precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second insert element is designed with specific elastic parameters that allow controlled deformation during attachment. The material and geometric parameters are selected to enable the element to deform to various degrees depending on the frame configuration, providing adaptability without compromising the overall precision of the insert system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3034386B1Insert for an opening on a tube of a bicycle frame
Publication Date: 2020.02.05 MPR GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3034386B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3034386B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3034386B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

The invention generally relates to an insert (10, 14) for an opening (6) in a pipe (3). The insert is designed to cover the opening and/or to allow a cable (5) to pass into or out of the pipe. The insert is fastened by means of a clamp. The insert can be mounted on openings of pipes made of different materials, with different diameters, and with different wall thicknesses.