Bicycle Hinge Unlocking Mechanism for Safe Remote Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding bicycle hinges with locking elements are difficult to operate, requiring significant user effort and can soil hands or cause injury, especially when dirty, and may accidentally fold due to improper operation.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design with a pivotable unlocking member and actuating device that allows remote operation, reducing the need for manual effort and preventing hand contact, featuring a return mechanism to ensure secure locking and easy folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking element is operated manually by hand, then the bicycle can be folded, but the operation requires considerable effort and may cause injury or soil the user's hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an actuating device that serves as an intermediary between the user and the locking element. This device includes a cable mechanism that transmits the user's pulling force remotely to the locking element, allowing the user to operate the lock without direct hand contact with the dirty or dangerous locking mechanism area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct manual mechanical operation of the locking element with a cable-pulley mechanical system. The actuating device uses a cable that runs through a housing and applies force to the locking element via a lever arm, substituting the need for direct hand manipulation with a remote mechanical advantage system.
2Reliability
If the locking element is designed to be securely retained in the closed position, then the bicycle remains locked during use, but the user finds it difficult to access and open the locking element
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device acts as an intermediary that provides remote access to the locking element. The cable mechanism allows the user to apply unlocking force from a convenient location on the bicycle frame, making the locking element accessible without requiring the user to reach into difficult-to-access areas near the wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed with dynamic characteristics - it is securely retained in the closed position by a spring-loaded mechanism during normal use, but can be easily transitioned to the open position when force is applied through the actuating device. The cable mechanism dynamically transmits force to overcome the retention spring and pivot the locking element open.
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
Facilitates easy and safe folding of bicycles by minimizing manual operation of locking elements, reducing the risk of injury and accidental folding, while maintaining secure locking positions.
Implementation Method 1
the unlocking member being mounted pivotably with respect to the second tube portion about a third axis of pivot, parallel to the second axis of pivot
Implementation Method 2
the unlocking member preferably takes the form of a cam and is able to exert a force on the locking element when it is placed in the active position
Implementation Method 3
the locking element mounted pivotably to the first tube portion about a second axis of pivot, the locking element having at least one closed position in which it retains the second tube portion in the unfolded position
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge including a first tube portion and a second tube portion pivotable with respect to the first tube portion between an unfolded position and a folded position; a locking element mounted pivotably to the first tube portion between a closed position in which the locking element retains the second tube portion in the unfolded position and an open position in which the locking element allows the displacement in the folded position of the second tube portion; an unlocking member configured to bring the locking element from the closed position into the open position when the unlocking member is placed in an active position; and a device for actuating the unlocking member, configured to bring the unlocking member into the active position.