Bicycle Wheel Quick Release Locking Ring Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing quick-release mechanisms for bicycle wheels require users to perform inconvenient pre-ride safety checks by physically opening and closing each lever and visually verifying its position, especially in triple redundant designs where multiple levers complicate the process.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release mechanism featuring a locking ring that can be rotated to a locked position to prevent accidental opening, allowing a single visual check to confirm all levers are securely closed, eliminating the need to physically open and close each lever, and incorporating a visual indicator to ensure the locking ring's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a quick release mechanism uses multiple levers for triple redundant safety, then the reliability of wheel attachment is improved, but the complexity of the pre-ride safety check process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual lever safety checks into a single integrated safety check mechanism. The locking ring engages with multiple levers simultaneously, allowing the user to verify the security of all levers in one action rather than checking each lever separately, thus reducing process complexity while maintaining redundant safety
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring serves multiple functions: it locks multiple levers simultaneously, provides a single visual indicator for safety verification, and maintains the redundant safety structure. This multi-functional component simplifies the overall safety check process while preserving the reliability benefits of multiple levers
2Reliability
If a quick release mechanism requires physical opening and closing of each lever for safety verification, then the reliability of the check is improved, but the time and convenience of the check deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is designed to automatically engage with all levers when they are in the closed position, performing the verification action in advance. This preliminary engagement means the user does not need to manually open and close each lever during the safety check, as the locking ring has already confirmed their proper positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring creates a visual copy or representation of the lever positions through its engagement state and visual indicator. Instead of requiring direct physical manipulation of each lever, the locking ring provides a simplified visual copy of the overall safety status, allowing rapid verification without time-consuming manual checks
3Ease of operation
If the quick release lever is designed to be easily openable by hand, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of inadvertent opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring applies a preliminary counter-action to prevent inadvertent opening. While the levers remain easy to operate intentionally, the locking ring engages with them to provide an opposing force that prevents accidental displacement, thus counteracting the potential harmful effect of easy operability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides a cushioning effect against inadvertent opening forces. The engagement between the locking ring and levers creates a buffer that absorbs or prevents unintended operational changes, protecting against the harmful effect of accidental lever movement while maintaining intentional operability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
There is described a quick-release arrangement for mounting a bicycle wheel (2) to a hub of a bicycle frame (1) using a single-sided mount. The quick-release arrangement includes a number of levers (12) each movable between a closed position, in which the wheel is retained to the bicycle hub, and an open position in which the wheel is freely removable. A locking ring (21) is mounted to the bicycle wheel and is rotatable between an open position and a locked position. When the locking ring (21) is in the locked position, hooks (24) on the locking ring (21) are engageable with pins (26) mounted on the levers (12), to prevent the levers (12) from moving out of their closed positions. The locking ring (21) may be mounted to a lever cover plate (18) which is fixed to the wheel and arranged so as to partially cover the levers (12) when they are in their closed positions. The lever cover plate (18) may have a window (27) through which an indicator is visible to indicate the position of the locking ring (21).