Bicycle Handlebar Retaining Device with C-Shaped Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle handle assemblies suffer from deformation, poor aesthetics, and user injury due to exposed metal components, as well as inadequate space for additional components like warning units, and lack a secure grip mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle handle assembly featuring a retaining device with a body, movable retaining member, and locking element that securely grips the handlebar without exposing external components, providing a closed design for aesthetics and comfort, and allowing the grip to function as an auxiliary handle or end plug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a force bolt is used to secure the handlebar, then the handlebar can be firmly retained, but the external fence deforms and the nut end is exposed causing poor aesthetics and user injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metal engaging member as an intermediary component between the force bolt and the handlebar. This member has a C-shaped body that engages with the handlebar's external fence through a clamping mechanism, while the force bolt secures this member from behind. The intermediary distributes the clamping force evenly across the handlebar surface, preventing localized deformation, and completely encloses the force bolt within the metal engaging member, eliminating exposed nut ends that could injure users.
2Volume of moving object
If the metal engaging member is made thin, then the overall size is reduced, but the nut end is exposed outside causing poor aesthetics and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by utilizing the depth dimension of the metal engaging member. The C-shaped body is designed with sufficient thickness in the radial direction to completely enclose the force bolt, while maintaining a compact overall profile. The engaging member extends backward to cover the force bolt entirely, creating a closed structure that prevents exposure of sharp edges or protruding components, thus eliminating injury risks without significantly increasing the forward profile visible to users.
3Ease of operation
If an elongated gap is provided in the retaining device, then the grip can be installed, but the aesthetics appearance deteriorates and user hands are injured easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic clamping mechanism where the metal engaging member can be opened during installation to accommodate the grip, then closed and secured by the force bolt. The C-shaped body includes movable or adjustable clamping arms that can expand to allow grip insertion through what would otherwise be a closed structure. After installation, the mechanism closes completely, eliminating any elongated gaps that would compromise aesthetics or pose injury risks, while still enabling easy grip installation through the controlled opening action.
4Device complexity
If the metal engaging member is formed in a C shape, then the structure is simple, but the mouth is open without a closed wall preventing end plug usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the versatility of the metal engaging member by designing it to serve multiple functions. The C-shaped body not only provides the structural framework for clamping the handlebar but also creates a closed enclosure when combined with the back plate and force bolt assembly. This closed structure allows the entire assembly to function as an end plug, sealing the end of the handlebar. Additionally, the same structure accommodates various grip types and configurations, making the design universal for different bicycle handlebar applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle handle assembly for a handlebar contains a body including a peripheral fringe and a side fringe connected together to define a receiving space. The receiving space includes a first side and a second side. The peripheral fringe includes a first engaging portion, a first connecting portion and a fixing portion connected with two ends of the first engaging portion. A movable retaining member is installed in the receiving space and includes a second engaging portion, a second connecting portion and a moving portion connected with two ends of the second engaging portion. The second connecting portion is used to connect with the first connecting portion of the body. A locking element is used to force the moving portion toward the fixing portion of the body, so that the external fence of the handlebar is retained tightly between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion.