Bicycle Module Bushing-Pin Assembly for Secure Manual Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle drive systems, particularly for electric bicycles, face challenges with reliable and secure mounting of modules due to the high weight and cost of components, and the risk of bushings falling out during transport or under load.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle module design featuring a hole with two adjacent portions, where a bushing is inserted into one portion and a pin into the other, interacting to secure the bushing in place without the need for tools, thus preventing it from falling out and allowing for axial displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bushing is pressed directly into the hole using transition fit or press fit, then the bushing is securely held in place, but manual assembly becomes impossible and expensive fitting systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The hole is divided into two separate portions: a first portion for receiving the bushing and a second portion for receiving the pin. This segmentation allows the bushing to be installed without requiring expensive press-fit equipment, while the pin provides additional retention. The bushing can be manually inserted into the first portion, and the pin inserted into the second portion to secure it against falling out.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin acts as an intermediary element that secures the bushing in place. Instead of relying solely on a complex press-fit bushing design, the pin provides a simple mechanical constraint that prevents the bushing from falling out during transport and use, enabling manual assembly while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the bushing is installed with transition fit, then it can be easily assembled, but the bushing may be lost during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The hole is segmented into two portions, allowing the bushing to be installed with ease in the first portion while the pin in the second portion provides the necessary retention. This segmentation enables both easy assembly and secure retention without compromising either aspect.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin serves as an intermediary retention mechanism that works in conjunction with the bushing. While the bushing provides the primary connection, the pin acts as a backup security measure that prevents the bushing from being lost during transport, thereby improving reliability without complicating the assembly process.
3Reliability
If the bushing is made too tight in the hole, then it is securely retained, but unwanted loads are placed on the module element and carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The hole is divided into two portions, allowing the bushing to fit loosely in the first portion without creating excessive loads on the module element. The pin in the second portion provides the necessary retention force, separating the functions of load-bearing and retention to reduce unwanted forces on the carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin acts as an intermediary that bears the retention function, allowing the bushing to be looser in the hole. This reduces the friction and unwanted loads between the bushing and the module element, while the pin provides the necessary security against the bushing falling out during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a module includes a module element having a hole and the hole having a first portion and a second portion. The module further includes a bushing inserted into the first portion of the hole and a pin inserted into the second portion of the hole, wherein the first portion and the second portion are arranged next to each other so that the inserted bushing and the inserted pin are also next to each other, wherein the inserted bushing and the inserted pin interact with each other, and wherein the module is configured such that, as a result of this interaction, the bushing is held in the hole and is secured against falling out of the hole.