Bicycle Stem Handlebar Joining System with Hidden Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle front assemblies with clamps for joining the stem and handlebar obscure the front face of the handlebar, limiting its use for auxiliary elements and compromising aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A new joining system where the stem and handlebar are connected using screws that pass through hidden orifices within the handlebar tube, allowing the front face to be free for other purposes such as illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clamp is used to join the stem and handlebar, then the connection is simple and firm, but the front face of the handlebar is obscured and cannot be used for auxiliary elements
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is extracted and removed from the design. Instead of using a traditional clamp that covers the front face, the patent uses screws that pass through orifices in the handlebar and stem, allowing the front face to remain visible and available for auxiliary elements while still providing a firm connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is moved from the front face dimension to the internal dimension of the handlebar. Screws pass through orifices from the rear face through the handlebar tube to the stem, utilizing the internal space rather than occupying the front face, thus resolving the contradiction between connection firmness and front face availability.
2Strength
If a clamp with visible screws is used to join the stem and handlebar, then the connection is secure, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The visible clamp and its screws are extracted from the front face. The connection elements (screws) are relocated to pass through orifices from the rear face through the handlebar tube, making them hidden from the front view while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The handlebar tube itself acts as an intermediary that hides the connection elements. The screws pass through the tube material, using it as a mediator to conceal the fastening mechanism while still providing structural connection between the stem and handlebar.
3Ease of manufacture
If the front face of the handlebar is used for connection elements, then the connection is straightforward, but auxiliary elements cannot be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly process is shifted to the rear face dimension. Screws are inserted through orifices from the rear face through the handlebar tube to the stem, making assembly straightforward from the rear while leaving the front face completely available for auxiliary elements like illumination devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The front face of the handlebar is given multiple functions: it serves both as the visible aesthetic surface and as the mounting surface for auxiliary elements. The connection function is separated to the rear face, allowing the front face to be universal in its utility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention discloses a bicycle front assembly (1) comprising a stem (2) and a handlebar (3) joined one to the other, where: a front end of the stem (2) comprises a cavity where a rear face of a central portion (3c) of the handlebar (3) fits, the cavity comprising at least one connection orifice; and the rear face of the central portion (3c) of the handlebar (3) comprises at least a connection orifice, and a front face of the central portion of the handlebar (3) comprises an opening configured for allowing access to said orifice. Thereby, the stem (2) is connected to the handlebar (3) by means of at least a screw passing through the orifice of the handlebar (3) and threading into the orifice of the stem (2).