Bicycle Rotor System Radial Cable Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotor systems for bicycles, particularly those used in BMX freestyle and mountain bikes, face challenges in simplifying the attachment of Bowden cables and increasing cost-effectiveness, with complex attachment methods and a high number of parts contributing to these issues.

Innovation Solution

A rotor system with two transmission elements where the second transmission element's connection area is arranged radially inside the steerer tube, allowing for direct and tool-free attachment of Bowden cables, reducing the number of parts and simplifying assembly, and featuring a connecting element that is injection molded or pressed onto the cable end for secure and easy attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional attachment methods with holders and screws are used, then the Bowden cable can be securely attached to the transmission element, but the assembly process becomes complex and requires tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the holder and the transmission element into a single integrated component. The connection area is formed directly on the transmission element, eliminating the need for separate holders and reducing the total number of parts while maintaining secure attachment functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission element serves multiple functions: it transmits mechanical motion and simultaneously provides the connection area for attaching the Bowden cable. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate attachment components, simplifying the overall structure

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

2Reliability

If traditional attachment methods with screws and holders are used, then the Bowden cable can be securely attached, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and requires additional tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection area is pre-formed as an integral part of the transmission element during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly operations, allowing the Bowden cable to be attached quickly and easily without requiring additional tools or time-consuming fastening procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission element's integrated connection area serves as its own attachment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate holders, screws, or other fastening components. This self-service design simplifies the attachment process and reduces assembly time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If connection areas are arranged radially outside the steerer tube, then the transmission elements can be easily accessed, but the attachment process becomes more complex with additional intermediate components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidattachment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the connection area with the transmission element itself, forming an integrated structure. This merger eliminates the need for intermediate components such as holders or adapters, simplifying the attachment process while maintaining accessibility for cable routing and attachment operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2838781B1Rotor system for a bicycle
Publication Date: 2018.04.18 GOERING WOLFGANG
  • EP2838781B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2838781B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP2838781B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3E

AI summary

The invention relates to a rotor system for a bicycle (1), for the purpose of mounting a fork (8) and transmitting the actuations of Bowden cables (31, 32) which each have one core (31a, 32a). The rotor system comprises at least one first and one second transmission element (36, 37) that are able to be rotated relative to one another and are arranged in the region of the mounting (21, 23, 25) of the fork (8), said transmission elements (36, 37) comprising at least one annular region that is mounted on the steerer tube (12) of the fork (8) and is surrounded by a head tube (21) in at least the radial direction, and said transmission elements (36, 37) also comprising fastening regions (36b, 37b) for the direct or indirect attachment of the rotor-side ends of the cores (31a, 32a). In said rotor system, at least one of the transmission elements (37) comprises a fastening region (37b) to which a connecting element (32b) can be form-fittingly attached, said connecting element (32b) interacting with, or being integrally connected to, the rotor-side end of the core (32a) that is associated with said at least one transmission element (37).