Bicycle Tether Connectors for Automatic Coupling in Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tethering devices require vehicles to stop before manual connection, limiting their use for tethering vehicles in motion.
Innovation Solution
A tethering device comprising a lead support and a trailing support with engageable connectors, allowing for force transfer between vehicles while in motion, enabling pulling force application to the trailing vehicle from the lead vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection of tethering device is used, then connection reliability is improved, but operation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tethering device performs self-connection and self-disconnection through automatic engagement and disengagement mechanisms. The lead connector and trailing connector automatically engage when vehicles approach each other during normal operation, and automatically disengage when separation occurs, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are pre-configured with alignment features and engagement mechanisms that prepare the system for automatic connection. The lead support and trailing support are positioned and oriented in advance to ensure proper alignment during engagement, enabling seamless automatic connection without manual adjustment
2Reliability
If manual connection of tethering device is used, then connection control is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically manages connection and disconnection based on vehicle proximity and operational conditions, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining controlled engagement through mechanical alignment features and magnetic attraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical connection operations with automatic engagement mechanisms involving magnetic attraction and mechanical interlocking features. This substitution eliminates manual labor while maintaining controlled connection through engineered engagement surfaces and alignment guides
3Productivity
If automatic engagement is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the manual operation step from the tethering process, isolating the connection function into dedicated automatic engagement mechanisms. By separating the connection function from manual intervention, the system achieves high productivity while keeping each individual component relatively simple and focused on its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic attraction as an intermediary force between the lead connector and trailing connector, enabling automatic engagement without direct mechanical contact or complex control systems. This magnetic mediator simplifies the engagement mechanism while maintaining reliable automatic connection
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 tethering of vehicles while they are moving, facilitating assistance between vehicles, such as aiding a trailing vehicle by a lead vehicle, without the need for manual connection or stopping.
Implementation Method 1
A lead connector is engageable to a trailing connector to form a junction transferring force between the lead connector and the trailing connector through the junction
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle tethering device includes a lead support configured for coupling to a lead vehicle, a trailing support configured for coupling to a trailing vehicle, a lead connector coupled to the lead support, and a trailing connector coupled to the trailing support. The lead connector is engageable to the trailing connector to form a junction transferring force between the lead connector and the trailing connector through the junction to permit a pulling force to be applied to the trailing vehicle from the lead vehicle.