Bicycle Accessory Mounting Interface With Secure Latch Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor bicycle mounting interfaces fail to securely hold accessories such as smartphones or navigation devices, leading to easy detachment during use.
Innovation Solution
A mounting interface with a latch and plate configuration, featuring a ramp and platform design that progressively engages with a detent on the accessory, allowing easy mounting and secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple mounting interface is used, then the accessory can be easily mounted and unmounted, but the accessory cannot be held securely during use
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting interface is divided into separate functional components: a latch mechanism for secure engagement and a release mechanism for easy disengagement. The latch includes a ramp and platform that work together to create a secure mechanical interlock with the accessory's detent, while the release mechanism provides controlled access to the latch for mounting and unmounting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting interface employs a dynamic latch mechanism that transitions between engaged and disengaged states. The ramp and platform create a progressive engagement where the ramp guides the detent into position and the platform provides final secure locking. The spring-loaded or movable latch allows easy mounting through simple pressure while maintaining secure holding during normal use.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used, then the accessory is held firmly during riding, but the accessory cannot be easily removed when needed
Solution Approach 1:
A release mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user and the secure latch mechanism. This intermediary provides controlled access to the latch, allowing easy unmounting through a simple release action rather than requiring forceful manipulation of the secure latch itself. The release mechanism translates user input into latch disengagement while maintaining security during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to transition easily between states. A spring-loaded or movable latch component can be held in place during secure engagement but releases readily when actuated. The ramp and platform geometry is designed to maintain stable engagement during riding while allowing controlled disengagement through minimal user input via the release mechanism.
3Reliability
If a complex mounting mechanism is used, then the accessory can be held securely, but the device becomes complicated and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a compact mounting interface: the latch provides secure engagement, the ramp guides alignment, the platform provides locking surface, and the release mechanism enables easy disengagement. These components work together in an integrated assembly that achieves secure holding without requiring multiple separate mechanisms or complex adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting interface is designed as a universal solution that can securely hold various accessories with different shapes and sizes. The ramp and platform geometry provides adaptive engagement that works with diverse accessory detents, while the standardized latch and release mechanism offers consistent operation across different mounting applications, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, this disclosure enables various mounting interfaces, devices therewith, accessories therefor, and methods of manufacture and use thereof. In particular, these mounting interfaces include a latch configured to engage with a detent of an accessory (e.g., a smartphone, a dedicated navigation device, a storage container, a drinking bottle) in order to (a) allow the accessory to be easily mounted thereon and unmounted therefrom and (b) hold the accessory sufficiently securely when the accessory is mounted thereon.