Bicycle Quick Release Lever with Independent Angular Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick release systems for bicycles require multiple cycles to achieve the proper clamping length and force, making them cumbersome and time-consuming, especially in high-performance cycling where ease of operation and reliability are critical.
Innovation Solution
A quick release mechanism featuring a pull rod with a lever and tensioning sleeve that allows independent angular positioning without loosening the clamping force, utilizing a biasing spring and metal components for enhanced reliability and thermal decoupling, and incorporating a knurled wheel for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the clamping length is set by flipping an eccentric cam after presetting with a nut and limit stop, then the clamping force can be adjusted, but multiple cycles are required to achieve the proper clamping length and force
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release mechanism is divided into independent functional segments: a pull rod for clamping length adjustment, a lever for clamping force application, and a tensioning device with biasing spring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, eliminating the need for iterative cycles to achieve proper clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping length is preliminarily set by the pull rod before the clamping force is applied by the lever. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the lever is engaged, the correct clamping length is already in place, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment cycles required by eccentric cam systems.
2Ease of operation
If the lever is fixed relative to the clamping element, then the structure is simpler, but the angular position cannot be adjusted without loosening the clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The lever is designed to be movable relative to the clamping element in the axial direction of the pull rod. This dynamic positioning allows the lever to be shifted axially to change its angular position while maintaining clamping force, enabling angular adjustment without loosening the clamping as required by the patent.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing spring acts as an intermediary between the lever and the clamping element, maintaining constant contact and clamping force while allowing the lever to move axially for angular position adjustment. This intermediary mechanism enables position changes without loss of clamping force.
3Reliability
If the engaging portion and transmission portion contact over a large area, then the force transmission is more efficient and durable, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging portion and transmission portion utilize toothed interfaces that distribute contact forces across multiple discrete contact points, creating a composite contact structure. This approach provides large effective contact area and high reliability without requiring large single-area contacts, maintaining structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The toothed engagement surfaces are designed with curved profiles that optimize force distribution across the contact area. The curved tooth profiles ensure efficient force transmission while maintaining a compact structure, avoiding the need for overly complex geometries.
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
This design simplifies operation, ensures reliable and consistent clamping force, reduces wear, and maintains performance across varying temperatures, providing a lightweight and efficient solution for high-quality cycling applications.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing spring (5) which acts on the lever (11a) with a biasing force
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a knurled wheel for secure mounting
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release for bicycles comprising a pull rod extending in the axial direction, an end element at a first end of the pull rod, a clamping element at the second end of the pull rod, and a tensioning device for tensioning the clamping element. The tensioning device comprises a lever for applying the clamping force and a tensioning sleeve with a transmitter portion for transmitting the clamping force to an engaging portion of the clamping element. The lever is positioned to be movable relative to the clamping element in the axial direction of the pull rod and against the biasing force of a biasing spring is movable outwardly in the axial direction of the pull rod from an engaged position to a turn position. In the turn position an angular position of the lever can be set independently of the state of tensioning.