Bicycle Torque Support Cam Assembly for Wheel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment issues during wheel replacement in bicycles with the Flat Mount standard, particularly due to misalignment of the braking caliper and rotor, hinder easy fitting and lead to stress on the connection, reducing assembly durability.
Innovation Solution
A torque support assembly with a cam and adapter interface that rotationally locks the hollow shaft to the frame, allowing torque transfer while preventing rotation, and includes an adapter that supports reactionary forces via the frame, ensuring proper alignment and reducing stress on the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed transmission shaft is used in Flat Mount brake systems, then torque transfer is achieved, but alignment issues occur during wheel replacement causing brake caliper and rotor misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a cam mechanism that can be easily rotated and locked into different angular positions. The cam feature on the adapter interface allows the hollow shaft to be oriented at different angles relative to the frame, enabling dynamic adjustment during wheel replacement to achieve proper alignment between brake caliper and rotor while maintaining secure torque transfer.
2Strength
If the hollow shaft is securely locked to prevent rotation, then torque transfer is effective, but alignment precision during assembly becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing pre-defined angular positions on the cam mechanism that correspond to correct alignment orientations. The cam feature can be rotated to predetermined angular positions before final locking, allowing the shaft to be aligned with the brake components in advance of the final torque transfer engagement, thereby reducing the precision required during the final assembly step.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple angular positions are provided on the cam, then alignment flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cam mechanism into discrete angular positions rather than allowing continuous rotation. The cam feature is segmented into specific angular orientations that can be independently selected, providing adaptability for different alignment requirements while keeping the mechanism simple through discrete, predefined positions rather than complex continuous adjustment systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A torque support assembly, for supporting a torque of a hollow shaft onto a frame of a bicycle, comprising a cam comprising a cam hole for receiving therein a distal end of the shaft, wherein the cam hole and the shaft are interlockingly shaped for rotationally locking the cam and shaft with respect to each other, an adapter interface comprising a first face defining a seat for the cam, and an adapter interface through hole which extends from the seat on the first face and is coaxial with the cam hole for allowing a thru-axle to extend there through. The adapter interface comprises an upstanding wall, extending outward from the first face, defining an inner support surface of the seat on which the cam is supported against rotation.