Quick-Release Bicycle Light Bracket for Variable Handlebar Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light source connectors for bicycles are not easily adjustable to fit different handlebar sizes, requiring tools for attachment and removal, leading to inconvenience and increased risk of theft or loss due to unreliable fastening methods.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable quick-release mounting bracket with a rotatable light stand, flexible clamping band, and locking latch system that allows tool-free attachment and removal from handlebars of varying diameters, ensuring secure engagement without leaving the bracket or light source attached when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connectors are used to attach light sources to bicycle handlebars, then the light source can be mounted, but the connector cannot be easily adjusted to fit different handlebar sizes and requires tools for attachment and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates a flexible clamping band that can dynamically adjust to different handlebar diameters, transitioning from a rigid fixed-size connector to an adaptable dynamic structure that maintains secure engagement across varying sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a flexible clamping band for size adaptation, a locking latch for secure engagement, and a coupling pin system for tool-free attachment and removal, allowing each component to perform its specific function independently
2Ease of operation
If fabric straps with Velcro fasteners are used to attach light sources, then the connector can be easily attached, but the fastening is not strong and reliable enough to prevent loosening and rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The weak Velcro mechanical fastening system is replaced with a positive mechanical locking system using a locking latch that engages with a locking catch, providing reliable secure fastening while maintaining ease of operation through simple latch actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism transitions from a friction-based Velcro system to a geometric interlocking system where the locking latch engages with the locking catch at specific engagement points, changing the fundamental parameter of fastening from friction to mechanical interlock
3Reliability
If conventional connectors require tools for attachment and removal, then secure fastening can be achieved, but the inconvenience and time required lead to the connector and light source being left on the bicycle during non-use
Solution Approach 1:
The locking latch system is designed to be actuated by the user's own hand movements without requiring external tools, where the latch itself serves as both the locking mechanism and the release mechanism through simple manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling pin is pre-positioned on the locking latch, and the locking catch is pre-positioned on the handlebar, allowing the user to simply snap the assembly together without requiring sequential tool-based fastening steps
4Reliability
If the connector is left attached to the bicycle when not in use to prevent theft, then security is improved, but the light source and connector are subjected to theft anyway
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic quick-release system that can rapidly switch between secured and removed states, allowing the user to adapt the attachment state based on whether the bicycle is in use
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-release adjustable mounting bracket to be detachably connected to, for example, a handlebar of a bicycle to permit, for example, a bright flashing light source to be attached to and removed from the handlebar without the use of tools so that neither the mounting bracket nor the light source need remain attached when the bicycle is not in use. The mounting bracket includes a grip to engage a portion of the handlebar and a light stand pivotally coupled to the grip. The light source is removably received by the light stand so that the light stand and the light source received thereby are rotatable relative to the grip. The grip includes a hook-shaped locking catch, a coupling cavity within which a plurality of spaced, parallel-aligned coupling pin retaining slots are formed, and a flexible clamping band. A locking latch pivotally coupled to a first end of the flexible clamping band is pulled towards and rotated into locking engagement with the locking catch. The flexible clamping band is adapted to be bent over the locking bar, whereby a coupling pin carried by the opposite end of the clamping band is releasably connected to one of the plurality of coupling pin retaining slots in the grip depending upon the size (e.g., diameter) of the handlebar to which the mounting bracket is to be detachably connected.