Bicycle Mirror Assembly with Elastic Connecting Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle mirrors are difficult to mount and flexibly position on a bicycle, often having complex constructions, limited orientation options, and are vulnerable to damage.
Innovation Solution
A set of components comprising a fastening strap and connecting rod with coupling members allows for easy attachment and positioning of a mirror body at various locations on a bicycle without specialist knowledge or tools, using a simple assembly of three or four components made from elastic materials to reduce damage risk and enhance field of vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bicycle mirrors are mounted directly onto the bicycle, then the mounting structure is simple, but the mirror body is blocked in positioning options and the cyclist's body blocks the field of vision
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a fastening strap that attaches to the bicycle, a connecting rod that provides extension, and a mirror body that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while providing overall flexibility in positioning the mirror away from the cyclist's body to improve field of vision.
2Reliability
If bicycle mirrors have many components for secure attachment, then the mounting is reliable, but the construction becomes complex and difficult to mount
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening strap integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides attachment to the bicycle, incorporates closing means for securing, and includes a coupling member for connecting the mirror assembly. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts while maintaining reliable attachment through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling members are designed with universal adaptability, allowing the same component design to work with different bicycle types and mirror configurations. The standardized coupling interface enables the system to achieve reliable attachment across various applications without requiring multiple specialized components.
3Volume of moving object
If the mirror is mounted close to the bicycle for compactness, then the device is compact, but the cyclist's body blocks the field of vision obtained through the mirror
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod extends the mirror assembly in the spatial dimension away from the bicycle, moving the mirror body to a position where it does not obstruct the cyclist's body from the field of vision. This dimensional extension maintains a compact overall package while achieving the necessary clearance for optimal viewing angles.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the connecting rod is made rigid for stability, then the mirror positioning is stable, but the risk of rupture or damage increases when bumping into objects
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod's material properties are changed from rigid to elastically deformable, allowing it to flex under impact loads rather than fracturing. This parameter change in material rigidity maintains stable mirror positioning during normal use while providing damage resistance when encountering obstacles through elastic deformation.
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 solution enables easy, flexible, and secure attachment of a bicycle mirror at different locations, reducing the cyclist's obstruction of the field of view while minimizing damage risk through a lightweight, compact, and adjustable design.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting rod is at least partly made of an elastically deformable plastic. This reduces the risk of rupture or other damage in the event the bicycle mirror bumps into something. In addition, this reduces vibrations of the mirror body.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Set of components for making a bicycle mirror (1), wherein the set of components comprises a fastening strap (2), comprises a mirror body (4) and comprises a connecting rod (3), wherein the fastening strap (2) is provided with a first coupling member (7), wherein the fastening strap (2) is provided with closing means (5, 6), wherein the mirror body (4) comprises a reflective surface (12), wherein the mirror body (4) is provided with a second coupling member (13), wherein the connecting rod (3) is provided at a first end with a third coupling member (19) and is provided at a second end with a fourth coupling member (16), wherein the third coupling member (19) and the first coupling member (7) are adapted to jointly form a coupling for interconnecting the fastening strap (2) and the connecting rod (3), and wherein the second coupling member (13) and the fourth coupling member (16) are adapted to jointly form a coupling for interconnecting the connecting rod (3) and the mirror body (4).