Bicycle Wheel Axle Adjusting Mechanism for Compact Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bicycle wheel securing structures are not compact enough, as they require increased length to adjust the final fixed position of the lever member, which hinders their downsizing and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The proposed bicycle wheel securing structure incorporates an axle member with an adjusting member inside, allowing for axial position adjustment of the head member without increasing the structure's length, utilizing a screw or cam mechanism for easy movement and a coupling mechanism to prevent falling, enabling a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an adjusting member is provided to adjust the axial position of the head member, then the final fixed position of the lever member can be adjusted, but the length in the axial direction of the bicycle wheel securing structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of final fixed positionVSAvoidaxial length of securing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting member is disposed inside the hollow axle member, with the first shaft part attached to the adjusting member and extending through it. This nesting arrangement allows the adjusting member to be housed within the existing axial space of the axle member rather than adding to it, enabling position adjustment without increasing the overall axial length of the securing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the adjusting member is disposed outside the axle member, then it can be easily accessed, but the bicycle wheel securing structure becomes larger and less compact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of adjusting memberVSAvoidoverall size of securing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting member is nested inside the hollow axle member, utilizing the existing internal space. The first shaft part provides external engagement points that extend through the axle member, allowing tool access from the outside while keeping the bulk of the adjusting mechanism compact within the axle member's hollow portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The first shaft part acts as an intermediary between the adjusting member and the external environment. It transmits rotational force from external tools to the adjusting member while maintaining a compact overall structure, enabling easy operation without requiring the adjusting member itself to be externally accessible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a screw or cam mechanism is used to move the first shaft part in the axial direction, then the adjusting mechanism becomes simpler, but the structure requires precise engagement components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of adjusting mechanismVSAvoidmanufacturing precision requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent offers two alternatives: a screw mechanism that replaces complex multi-component adjustment systems with a single threaded engagement, or a cam mechanism that uses rotational motion to produce axial movement. Both approaches simplify the overall adjusting mechanism while requiring standard manufacturing practices for threaded or cam-shaped components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This configuration results in a more compact and efficient bicycle wheel securing structure that allows for easy adjustment and secure attachment without the need for tools, while preventing the adjusting member from falling and ensuring secure engagement with the vehicle body.

Implementation Method 1

The first engagement portion can comprise either one of a male threaded portion and a female threaded portion. The second engagement portion can comprise the other of the male threaded portion and the female threaded portion which screws to the one of the male threaded portion and the female threaded portion.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

The first shaft part can be moved in the axial direction with simple mechanism such as a screw or a cam.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS9994071B2Bicycle wheel securing structure

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 SHIMANO INC

AI summary

A bicycle wheel securing structure is basically provided with an axle member, a head member, a lever member and an adjusting member. The axle member is at least partially hollow, and includes a first end portion, a second end portion and a vehicle body engagement portion. The vehicle body engagement portion is provided to the second end portion for engaging a bicycle frame. The head member is disposed on the first end portion. The lever member is configured to turn the head member around an axis between a first position and a second position. The lever member presses the head member from the first end portion to the second end portion by being turned from the second position to the first position. The adjusting member is provided inside the axle member for adjusting an axial position of the head member.