Quick-Release Bicycle Handlebar Mount Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light source connectors for bicycles are not easily adjustable to fit different handlebar sizes, requiring tools for attachment and removal, leading to inconvenience and increased risk of theft or loss due to unreliable fastening methods.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable quick-release mounting bracket with a rotatable light stand, flexible clamping band, and locking latch system that allows tool-free attachment and removal from handlebars of varying diameters, ensuring secure engagement without leaving the bracket or light source attached when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connectors are used to attach light sources to bicycles, then the light source can be mounted, but the connectors cannot be easily adjusted to fit different handlebar sizes and require tools for attachment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the first end can be positioned at multiple discrete locations along the band's length, allowing the bracket to adapt to different handlebar diameters. This dynamic reconfigurability enables the same bracket to fit various sizes without requiring tools for adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is segmented into distinct functional components: a band with multiple retention locations, a first end with a retention mechanism, and a second end with a release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling tool-free operation while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If shims are used to enable conventional connectors to mount on varying size structural members, then adaptability improves, but tools are required and attachment/removal becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates a self-service release mechanism where the second end can be manually released by simply pulling it away from the handlebar. This eliminates the need for tools and reduces the time required for attachment and removal, as the user can quickly detach the bracket without assistance or specialized instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket uses a dynamic retention system where the first end can engage at multiple positions along the band, providing adaptability to different handlebar sizes. This dynamic design allows quick adjustment and attachment without requiring time-consuming shim installation or tool-based fastening.
3Ease of operation
If fabric straps with Velcro fasteners are used, then attachment is simple, but the connection is not strong and reliable, causing loosening and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket uses a curved or flexible band design that conforms to the cylindrical shape of the handlebar, providing continuous contact and distributed holding force. This curved geometry enhances the reliability of the connection by preventing loosening and rotation, while the flexible nature maintains ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket segments the retention function into a first end with active retention mechanism and a second end with release capability. This segmentation provides both simplicity in attachment (by simply wrapping the band) and reliability (through the dedicated retention mechanism at the first end), avoiding the weaknesses of uniform fabric straps.
4Ease of operation
If fabric straps and Velcro fasteners are used, then attachment is simple, but the fasteners may inadvertently separate causing loss of connector and light source
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket divides the connection system into a secure first end with retention mechanism and a controllable second end with release capability. This segmentation ensures that the critical retention function is handled by a reliable mechanism at the first end, preventing inadvertent separation, while the second end provides simple, controlled release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket acts as an intermediary between the user and the handlebar, providing a controlled release mechanism. The second end serves as an intermediary element that the user can manually operate to release the bracket, ensuring that separation only occurs when intentionally triggered, thereby preventing accidental loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-release adjustable mounting bracket to be detachably connected to, for example, a handlebar of a bicycle to permit, for example, a bright flashing light source to be attached to and removed from the handlebar without the use of tools so that neither the mounting bracket nor the light source need remain attached when the bicycle is not in use. The mounting bracket includes a grip to engage a portion of the handlebar and a light stand pivotally coupled to the grip. The light source is removably received by the light stand so that the light stand and the light source received thereby are rotatable relative to the grip. The grip includes a hook-shaped locking catch, a coupling cavity within which a plurality of spaced, parallel-aligned coupling pin retaining slots are formed, and a flexible clamping band. A locking latch pivotally coupled to a first end of the flexible clamping band is pulled towards and rotated into locking engagement with the locking catch. The flexible clamping band is adapted to be bent over the locking bar, whereby a coupling pin carried by the opposite end of the clamping band is releasably connected to one of the plurality of coupling pin retaining slots in the grip depending upon the size (e.g., diameter) of the handlebar to which the mounting bracket is to be detachably connected.