Bicycle Rim Washer Structure for Lightweight Spoke Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle wheel designs face challenges in achieving high stability and reduced weight while maintaining simple and economic mounting methods.
Innovation Solution
The wheel component incorporates a washer with a canted support flank that transfers load obliquely from the spoke nipple to the rim flanks, eliminating the need for rim eyelets and enhancing load distribution for lightweight construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rim eyelets or loose holding members are used to reinforce the rim base, then the stability and strength of the wheel is improved, but the weight of the wheel increases and the construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the load-bearing function from the rim base region (around the spoke hole) and relocates it to the rim flanks. The washer with its canted support flank transfers forces obliquely outward to the rim flanks, eliminating the need for rim eyelets or loose holding members that would add weight and complexity to the rim base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer acts as an intermediary component between the spoke nipple and the rim. Its canted support flank mediates the force transfer by redirecting loads obliquely from the spoke nipple through the washer to the rim flanks, preventing direct force concentration on the rim base and eliminating the need for additional reinforcing elements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rim eyelets or loose holding members are used to accommodate spoke nipples, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the load transfer function and the spoke nipple accommodation function into a single integrated washer component. The washer combines the nipple-bearing surface with the canted support flank in one piece, eliminating the need for separate rim eyelets or loose holding members, thereby simplifying the overall wheel construction while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The washer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it accommodates the spoke nipple, transfers loads from the nipple, redirects forces obliquely to the rim flanks, and prevents force concentration on the rim base. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate components like rim eyelets and loose holding members.
3Ease of manufacture
If forces are transferred directly to the rim base around the spoke hole, then the mounting is simple, but the load distribution is poor and reinforcements are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dimension of force transfer by introducing an oblique angle through the canted support flank. Instead of vertical force transfer directly to the rim base, the canted flank redirects forces at an angle outward to the rim flanks, distributing loads across a larger area and improving strength without complicating the mounting process.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel component for a wheel of an at least partially muscle-powered two-wheeled vehicle, including a rim provided to be connected with a hub by means of spokes, the rim including a rim base with a plurality of spoke socket sections having one spoke hole each, to which the spokes can be attached by means of spoke nipples. The wheel component includes at least one washer for placement between a spoke socket section and a spoke nipple. The washer includes a through hole extending between a top face and a bottom face. The rim base includes two opposite rim flanks extending obliquely relative to one another. In its bottom face, the washer shows a canted support flank at least in sections. The washer can be supported on the rim flanks by means of its support flank such that only the support flank bears against, and contacts, the rim.