Protective Buffer Strap With Variable Spacing for Bicycle Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buffer solutions for preventing bicycle damage during transport are inadequate, as they fail to accommodate varying bicycle sizes and require frequent adjustments due to inconsistent buffering thickness and the need for independent straps, leading to unsatisfactory protection.
Innovation Solution
A protective buffer strap with an elongate body featuring graduated projections that deform to form a closed loop, allowing adjustable thickness and secure retention of articles, combined with hook and loop fastenings for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cuboidal buffer with off-centre passage is used, then the buffer can be introduced onto tubular frame members, but the buffer shape does not accommodate varying bicycle sizes and requires frequent adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer strap incorporates an elongate deformable body that can dynamically adjust its shape between unwound and wound conditions. The graduated projections rotate with the strap to vary the buffering thickness, allowing the same strap to accommodate different bicycle sizes without frequent adjustments. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between versatility and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer strap changes the buffering parameter (thickness) by rotating the closed loop form about the first article to locate different length projections between the articles. This parameter change capability allows accommodation of varying bicycle sizes while maintaining ease of operation, as the adjustment is achieved through simple rotation rather than complete repositioning.
2Reliability
If independent straps are used to tie bicycles down, then the bicycles can be secured, but additional components increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the buffering function and the securing function into a single integrated buffer strap assembly. The elongate deformable body provides buffering while the strap portion provides securing capability. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate independent straps, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable securing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer strap serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides buffering protection through the deformable body with graduated projections, and it provides securing through the strap portion that extends about the closed loop form. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while ensuring reliable securing of bicycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If buffer orientation and position are repeatedly adjusted, then varying buffering thickness can be achieved, but this is a frustrating task reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer strap enables dynamic adjustment of buffering thickness through simple rotation of the closed loop form about the first article. The graduated projections automatically present different lengths as the strap rotates, providing variable buffering thickness without complex repositioning. This simplifies the adjustment process while maintaining adaptability to different spacing requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This invention relates to a protective buffer strap (10). More specifically, the invention relates to a protective buffer strap (10) capable of being strapped onto one or more articles (100, 200) to be closely restrained, thereby to prevent such articles (100, 200) from rubbing up against one another and causing damage, especially to surface finishes. The protective buffer strap (10) includes a strap (32) and an elongate body (12) from which the strap (32) extends, the elongate body (12) having a spine (26) and a plurality of projections (28) graduating lengths extending from the spine (26). The protective buffer strap (10) is configurable between an unwound condition and a wound condition. In the unwound condition, free ends (28A) of the projections (28) are spaced from one another along the spine (26). In the wound condition, the elongate body (12) and/or strap (32) is deformed into a closed loop form with the free ends (28A) of the protections (28) jointly defining at least a portion of a bore (36) for receiving a first article (100) therein, which bore (36) is eccentric relative to the closed loop form. Furthermore, in the wound condition, the strap (32) extends about the closed loop form and/or the closed loop form and a second article (200) receivable between the strap (32) and the spine (26) thereby to retain the protective buffer in the wound condition such that in use, the distance between the first article (100) received within the bore (36) and the second article (200) is variable by rotating the closed loop form about the first article (100).