Bicycle Lock Anchor with Radial Expansion for Pipe Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pull-out elements and bicycle locks lack a solution for force-fitting anchoring in open-ended pipes during retrofitting, as existing solutions either require additional components or are not suitable for pipes open on one side.
Innovation Solution
A pull-out element with an anchor that connects to an extension via a connecting element, featuring a stop element and an expandable element that can be radially disengaged using an actuating element to secure the anchor in a non-positive manner within the pipe, allowing for force-fitting anchoring in open-ended pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pull-out element is designed for secure anchoring in open-ended pipes, then anchoring reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components like expanding elements and actuating mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor and expanding elements are integrated into a single piece, eliminating the need for separate anchoring components. The connecting element is directly formed as part of the anchor structure, reducing the number of parts while maintaining secure anchoring functionality in open-ended pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is received within a receiving space of the anchor, creating a nested structure. This allows the connecting element to be stored compactly when not in use and provides a clean, integrated appearance while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
2Ease of operation
If a pull-out element is designed for easy installation and removal, then ease of operation is improved, but anchoring strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor transitions between two states: expanded for secure anchoring during installation, and contracted for easy removal. The actuating element enables controlled expansion and contraction, allowing the anchor to provide maximum holding strength during installation while facilitating simple removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The expanding elements are pre-configured to expand radially upon actuation, creating immediate secure anchoring in the pipe wall. This preliminary expansion action ensures strong fixation before the connecting element is fully inserted, while the reversible nature allows easy removal by reversing the expansion action.
3Reliability
If a stop element is added to prevent the connecting element from passing through the opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element is integrated directly into the connecting element structure, eliminating the need for a separate stop component. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts while ensuring the connecting element cannot pass through the anchor opening, maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element on the connecting element automatically prevents passage through the anchor opening without requiring additional control mechanisms. The geometry of the stop element and opening work together to provide self-regulating connection security.
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
Enables secure anchoring in open-ended pipes without additional components, allowing for easy installation and removal, and can be used in various applications such as bicycle locks, hooks, and other tubular devices, with optional electronic features for enhanced security.
Implementation Method 1
the anchor has at least one expanding element which can be radially disengaged by means of an actuating element and can be frictionally locked against an inner wall of the tube
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention proposes a pull-out element for various applications, which can be arranged in a pipe end. An anchor secures the pull-out element against removal, and the pull-out is held to the anchor by means of a connecting element. The anchor includes at least one radially extendable expanding element, which can be disengaged by an actuating element. Such an actuating element can be actuated by means of a tool section provided on the pull-out or the connecting element, so that the anchor is held firmly in the pipe but does not need to be welded in place, and retrofitting can be carried out without difficulty.