Bicycle Component Connection via Rail Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle component connections are either aesthetically unpleasing due to multiple unused holes or laborious to mount, and conventional connections are prone to unintentional dislodging under force, especially when bicycle components need to remain connected for extended durations and withstand substantial forces during cycling.

Innovation Solution

A connection system featuring a first bicycle component with an elongate rail and a second component with a deforming element that rotates around a vertical axis, allowing sliding in a base position and deformation of the rail in a fixed position to secure the components relative to each other, eliminating the need for holes and ensuring stability under load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple holes are provided in bicycle components for螺栓 connections, then connection reliability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to unused holes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into a track with multiple possible connection positions and a connectable component that can be positioned and fixed at any desired location. This allows the component to be connected reliably at the specific position needed, avoiding the need for multiple pre-drilled holes that may remain unused and affect aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection position parameter is made variable, allowing the second bicycle component to be connected at different positions along the track according to aesthetic requirements and functional needs, rather than being fixed at predetermined hole locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If bolts and screws are used to secure bicycle components, then connection stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to laborious mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidmounting labor
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system enables self-service installation where the track and connectable component can be assembled without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. The component can be directly connected to the track and fixed in position through simple operations, eliminating the need for laborious bolt and screw mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If removable clipping connections are used, then ease of installation is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates under substantial forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidconnection reliability under force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The track is pre-provided with multiple possible connection positions during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site drilling or complex assembly procedures. The connectable component can be directly installed at the desired position and securely fixed, combining ease of installation with reliable force resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the position of rod with respect to mudguard is made adjustable, then adaptability is improved, but connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The track serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines connection positions, and enables position adjustment. This universal design allows the same simple structure to achieve adaptability without increasing connection complexity, as the track inherently provides all necessary positioning features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 straightforward, aesthetically pleasing, and secure connections between bicycle components, allowing for adjustment to desired positions without risk of unintentional dislodging during normal use, as the deforming element fixes the components in place, preventing sliding and ensuring stability.

Implementation Method 1

the deforming element is designed to act on the at least one rail so that this at least one rail is locally deformed with respect to the base position and sliding of the deforming element along the track is prevented

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3854666B1Assembly of two mutually connectable bicycle components
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 CURANA INVEST
  • EP3854666B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3854666B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3854666B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Assembly of a first bicycle component (1) and a second bicycle component (2), in which the first bicycle component (1) comprises a track with at least one elongate rail (3) and the second bicycle component (2) is slidable in a form-fitting manner along this track and comprises a deforming element (4) that is rotatable around an axis (A), and is so between at least a first position in which the deforming element (4) is slidable along the track, the at least one rail (3) is in a base position and so the second bicycle component (2) is slidably connected to the first bicycle component (1) and a second state in which the deforming element (4) is designed to act on the at least one rail (3) so that this at least one rail (3) is locally deformed with respect to the base position, as a result of which sliding of the deforming element (4) along the track is prevented.