Bicycle Torque Support Assembly for Rear Axle Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment issues during wheel replacement in bicycles with disc brake systems, where the braking caliper and rotor misalignment hinder proper wheel fitting, and existing torque support devices do not facilitate easy mounting and dismounting while preventing rotation of the hollow shaft.
Innovation Solution
A torque support device with a cam hole and through hole design that interlockingly engages the hollow shaft, allowing torque transfer to the frame via a base that engages the frame outside the dropout recess, enabling secure torque support without rotation, and includes adjustable features for alignment with the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional dropout design is used to mount the hollow shaft, then the structure is simple, but alignment issues occur during wheel replacement causing braking caliper and rotor misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The torque support device serves as an intermediary component between the hollow shaft and the dropout. It includes a shaft receiving portion that rotatably receives the hollow shaft and a dropout engaging portion that engages with the dropout, thereby mediating the connection and eliminating direct contact between the shaft and dropout that causes alignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque support device is divided into distinct functional segments: a shaft receiving portion for the hollow shaft, a dropout engaging portion for the dropout, and a torque transfer portion connecting them. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, improving alignment and ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If the hollow shaft is directly mounted to the dropout, then the structure is simple, but the hollow shaft rotates relative to the frame preventing torque transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The torque support device acts as a mediator that prevents rotation of the hollow shaft relative to the frame. The dropout engaging portion with its retention feature securely engages the dropout, while the shaft receiving portion allows the hollow shaft to rotate freely on its axis without transferring rotational movement to the frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies different local qualities to different parts: the shaft receiving portion provides free rotation capability, the dropout engaging portion provides fixed positional engagement, and the torque transfer portion provides structured torque transmission paths. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between allowing shaft rotation and preventing frame rotation.
3Strength
If the torque support device engages the dropout recess directly, then the mounting is secure, but the alignment precision deteriorates due to tolerance accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The torque support device intermediates between the hollow shaft and dropout recess engagement. The shaft receiving portion with its retention feature secures the hollow shaft position, while the dropout engaging portion separately engages the dropout recess. This mediation prevents direct transmission of dropout recess tolerance variations to the shaft alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the mounting function into two independent engagement points: one for the hollow shaft and one for the dropout recess. This segmentation isolates the alignment reference from the dropout recess, preventing tolerance accumulation from affecting shaft alignment precision while maintaining secure mounting.
Data Source
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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.