Bicycle Hinge Clamp With Removable Handle And Spring Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinge clamps for folding structures, such as bicycles, are inefficient due to frustrating operation, potential theft, and issues like bolt loss or deformation, as well as damage to springs from being caught between leaves during tightening.

Innovation Solution

A clamp design featuring an eyelet to position and protect a retraction spring, a counter-bore in the V-plate, and a finger loop for easy operation, along with a removable bolt-tightening handle to prevent theft and simplify repositioning, which includes a flanged tube to prevent spring entrapment and a retention clip to keep the clamp plate aligned.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional wing bolt is used for tightening the clamp, then the bolt can be turned by hand, but it requires dexterity and may be turned unnecessarily due to lack of travel limitation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of bolt operationVSAvoidtime wasted turning bolt

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameter by replacing the traditional wing bolt with a hexagonal head bolt that requires a wrench or Allen key, fundamentally altering how the bolt is turned and controlled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a handle as an intermediary tool that connects the user to the bolt, providing better mechanical advantage and control while limiting the bolt's travel through the handle's geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the bolt is unconstrained by friction in transit, then the structure can be assembled, but vibration can work the bolt out of its bore subjecting it to deformation or loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidbolt retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hexagonal head design serves multiple functions: it provides a secure interface for wrenches and Allen keys during assembly, and its geometry inherently prevents the bolt from rotating freely or working out of the bore during transit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle is designed to guide the clamp plate into the correct position before the bolt is fully tightened, ensuring the plate is properly aligned and preventing it from rotating into the hinge path during closure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If springs are positioned around the bolt to urge the clamp plate away, then the plate retracts when loosened, but springs may be caught between the leaves causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic retractionVSAvoidspring durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the spring from the system entirely, replacing it with a handle that provides the necessary retraction force through its mechanical connection to the bolt and clamp plate, eliminating the risk of spring entrapment and damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a removable handle is used on the bolt, then the handle can be removed to prevent theft and avoid damage, but the connection method must be secure during use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandle removabilityVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the tightening mechanism into two separate components: the bolt (which remains permanently installed in the frame) and the handle (which can be removed). This segmentation allows the handle to be taken away for security reasons while the bolt remains secure in the frame

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances ease of use by preventing the clamp plate from rotating into the hinge path, reduces bolt loss, and allows for secure clamping with reduced risk of spring damage, while also making it harder for thieves to assemble the structure.

Implementation Method 1

The hole in the clamp plate is counter-bored on the 'V' side to accommodate a spring, which surrounds the bolt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

Friction keeps the structure together despite the jarring conditions of a bicycle ride

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10876554B2Hinge clamp for a bicycle frame and other structures

Publication Date: 2020.12.29 REVISE PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A hinge clamp adapted to clamp a hinge assembly with an eyelet to position and protect a retraction spring, a counter-bore in the V-plate to accommodate the spring, and a finger loop to position the user's finger during operation. In some aspects the clamp may have a removable bolt-tightening handle, the release of which enables the handle to be removed to avoid damage and to prevent theft. The handle may be removable over the head of the bolt in a first rotary configuration, and be constrained under the head of the bolt in a second rotary configuration. A hinge clamp with a retained clamp plate that retains the position of the clamp plate near the handle when the hinge clamp is loosened.