Bicycle Accessory Mounting Interface With Rotary Release Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor bicycle mounting interfaces for accessories like smartphones or navigation devices do not allow for easy mounting and dismounting.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a clamp, an arm, and a plate with a latch that engages a detent on a housing to linearly mount and rotationally unmount the housing from the plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional mounting interface is used, then the accessory can be securely held on the bicycle, but the mounting and dismounting process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting interface transitions from a static connection to a dynamic two-state system. The latch mechanism can be actuated to switch between a locked state (holding the accessory securely) and an unlocked state (allowing easy removal). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both secure holding during operation and easy mounting/dismounting when needed, through the reversible action of the latch component.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting interface is designed to be self-securing through the latch mechanism that automatically engages with the mounting surface when the accessory is installed. The system self-regulates between locked and unlocked states without requiring external tools or complex operations, thus providing both ease of operation and reliability through its self-contained design.
2Ease of operation
If a simple mounting interface is used, then the accessory can be easily mounted, but the risk of accidental unmounting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the accessory in place immediately upon mounting, preventing accidental unmounting before the rider even begins. The preliminary locking action occurs as part of the mounting process itself, creating a secure connection that resists accidental disengagement while maintaining ease of intentional removal through the designated actuation mechanism.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used, then the accessory remains firmly attached, but the dismounting process becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting interface is segmented into distinct functional components: a latch element for securing, a detent feature for positioning, and an actuation mechanism for release. This segmentation allows the dismounting process to be simplified by providing a dedicated, intuitive release action that specifically targets the latch component, making complex secure connections easy to disconnect through a single focused motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting and dismounting operations are inverted in terms of effort distribution. Mounting requires a single firm action that triggers automatic locking, while dismounting requires a deliberate but simple release action. The system inverts the complexity by making the secure state automatic and the release state intentional but easy, rather than requiring continuous effort to maintain security.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure discloses various brackets with various mounting interfaces for engaging (e.g., mechanically) with various surfaces that are correspondingly configured. For example, one of such brackets can clamp onto a bar (e.g., a handlebar of a vehicle) and then an electronic device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a dedicated navigational unit) can removably secure (e.g., mate) to that bracket. This form of removable securing can be via that bracket having a latch configured to engage a detent of the electronic device (or vice versa) in order to linearly mount the electronic device onto the bracket (or vice versa) and disengage the detent in order rotationally unmount the electronic device from the bracket (or vice versa).