Bicycle Hub Axle Adapter for Quick Release Compatibility
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hub axle adapters for large-diameter bicycle hubs are incompatible with quick release mechanisms due to size differences, leading to insecure wheel attachment and potential rotation relative to the hub.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle hub axle adapter with a main body and retaining members, featuring holding grooves and O-ring retaining members, which securely contacts the internal surface of the hollow hub axle, preventing axial movement and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional quick release mechanism with a small skewer shaft is used, then the quick release function is available, but it is incompatible with large-diameter hub axles and cannot be installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hub axle adapter as an intermediary component between the large-diameter hub axle and the conventional quick release mechanism. The adapter has a hollow interior space that receives the skewer shaft, and its exterior contacts the hub axle, enabling compatibility without modifying the original quick release mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The skewer shaft of the conventional quick release mechanism is nested within the hollow interior space of the hub axle adapter. This nesting arrangement allows the small skewer shaft to fit within the adapter structure, which in turn fits onto the large-diameter hub axle, solving the compatibility issue
2Reliability
If the hub axle adapter uses only surface contact between external circumferential surfaces, then the structure is simple, but it is difficult to secure the wheel in the axial direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific localized features (protrusions and corresponding recesses) on the adapter structure. These localized features provide enhanced axial securing capability at specific points while maintaining a relatively simple overall adapter structure
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates asymmetric protrusions and corresponding asymmetric recesses that prevent rotation and secure the wheel in the axial direction. This asymmetric design breaks the rotational symmetry, ensuring the adapter cannot rotate relative to the hub axle while maintaining structural simplicity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the hub axle adapter allows rotation relative to the hub axle, then the structure is simple, but the wheel stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric protrusions and corresponding asymmetric recesses on the adapter structure. This asymmetric design creates a mechanical interlock that prevents rotation of the adapter relative to the hub axle, ensuring wheel stability while adding minimal structural complexity
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
The adapter ensures secure attachment and stability of the wheel by providing surface contact and frictional resistance, preventing movement during wheel attachment and detachment, enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining member to be an O-ring made of an elastic material and the O-ring being arranged to be engaged with the holding groove
Implementation Method 2
The at least one retaining member is disposed on an external surface of the hub axle adapter main body for contacting an internal surface of the hollow hub axle
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle hub axle adapter basically includes a hub axle adapter main body and at least one retaining member. The hub axle adapter main body is configured to be inserted into a bicycle hub having a hollow hub axle. The at least one retaining member is disposed on an external surface of the hub axle adapter main body for contacting an internal surface of the hollow hub axle.