Bicycle Support Assembly with Openable Annular Clamp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support assemblies for securing bicycles to load carriers lack flexibility in accommodating different bicycle arrangements and do not provide sufficient security against theft, as they cannot be adequately tightened around the frame and are prone to loosening during transport.

Innovation Solution

A support assembly featuring an openable annular clamp with clamping jaws that extend around the frame, a fixed attachment fitting for the tensioning bolt, and a conical shape to securely engage with a hollow aluminum bar, providing a rigid and lockable mechanism that prevents manipulation from the outside.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a claw-shaped gripping means is used, then the support assembly can be easily mounted on the frame, but it cannot be sufficiently tightened and is easily prised open

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mountingVSAvoidtightening sufficiency and anti-theft protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping means is divided into two separate gripping elements that can independently engage with the frame and bicycle tube, allowing each element to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide both ease of mounting and secure tightening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single claw-shaped element that opens outward, the invention uses two gripping elements where at least one opens inward toward the frame, inverting the traditional claw design to achieve both easy mounting and secure, tamper-resistant tightening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the support assembly is made movable along the frame, then flexibility for different bicycle arrangements is improved, but the assembly may come loose during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for different bicycle arrangementsVSAvoidsecurity against loosening during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly incorporates a movable component that allows adjustment along the frame to accommodate different bicycle arrangements, while simultaneously featuring a lockable mechanism that transitions the assembly from a dynamic (movable) state to a static (fixed) state during transport to prevent loosening

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the clamping mechanism is made accessible for tightening, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to external manipulation and theft increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for tighteningVSAvoidexternal manipulation and theft risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping mechanism is nested within the hollow aluminum bar structure, with gripping elements that engage internally within the bar's cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the clamping mechanism to remain accessible for tightening while being concealed from external manipulation, as the hollow bar structure protects the internal components from external access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 secure and flexible attachment of bicycles to load carriers, ensuring the assembly remains tightly secured during transport and offering enhanced protection against theft by using a lockable mechanism that maintains tension and conceals the clamping mechanism from external manipulation.

Implementation Method 1

a common tensioning means, when tightened, forcing together said gripping means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the clamping jaws, which are arranged on either side of the opening and which upon tightening of the tensioning means are pressed against one another to tighten the clamp together around the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2212156B1Bicycle support assembly for use with a load carrier for vehicles

Publication Date: 2014.01.22 THULE SWEDEN AB

Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a support assembly (1) for securing a bicycle to a load carrier for vehicles, comprising a bar (2), which is provided at both ends with a gripping means (3, 4) for mounting the support assembly between a substantially fixed frame of the load carrier and the bicycle, a common tensioning means (5), when tightened forcing together said gripping means (3, 4). The main feature of the invention is that a first gripping means (3) for attachment to the frame of the load carrier comprises an openable annular clamp (8), which extends substantially completely around the frame, and an attachment fitting (9) which is fixedly attached to the clamp for attachment to the tensioning means (5), the opening of the clamp (8) being arranged adjacent said attachment fitting (9) and the clamp (8) has two mutually adapted clamping jaws (10, 11), which are arranged on either side of the opening and which upon tightening of the tensioning means (5) are pressed against one another to tighten the clamp (8) together around the frame.