Elastic Cable Cover Clamping Mudguard Edges
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable covering devices for bicycles require a groove on the mudguard, limiting their use on mudguards without such a feature, and can cause cable damage or interference with the wheel due to contact.
Innovation Solution
A cable covering device with fastening means that encompass both edges of the mudguard, using a clamp connection and elastically deformable materials to securely attach the covering means to the mudguard, allowing for easy installation and effective cable clamping without the need for a groove, and accommodating various mudguard configurations through part-circular sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a groove is required on the mudguard for cable routing, then the cable can be protected from wheel contact, but the device cannot be used on mudguards without such a groove
Solution Approach 1:
The cable covering device is designed to be universally applicable to different mudguard types. The fastening means can be attached to mudguards both with and without grooves, making the device versatile and compatible with various mudguard configurations. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the same device to protect cables on diverse mudguard designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the cable covering function from the mudguard structure itself. Instead of requiring the mudguard to have an integrated groove, the covering device is a separate component that can be attached to the mudguard surface, allowing cable protection without modifying the mudguard design.
2Ease of operation
If the cable is routed along the side of the mudguard, then installation is simple, but the cable can come into contact with the wheel and be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is nested within the covering means, which is then attached to the mudguard. This nested structure protects the cable from wheel contact while maintaining simple installation, as the entire assembly can be mounted as a single unit without complex routing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering means acts as an intermediary between the cable and the wheel. It provides a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the cable and wheel, eliminating the risk of cable damage while keeping the installation process simple.
3Strength
If fastening means are made rigid for strong attachment, then the connection is secure, but installation becomes difficult and requires special mudguard configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means utilizes elastic deformation as an intermediate state during installation. The fastening elements are bent to fit around the cable and attach to the mudguard, then return to their original shape to create a secure connection. This parameter change from flexible (during installation) to rigid (after installation) resolves the contradiction between ease of installation and attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means transitions from a flexible state during installation to a rigid state during operation. The elastic material allows the fastening elements to be deformed for easy attachment, then maintains a strong, rigid connection once installed, accommodating various mudguard configurations without requiring special features.
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
The solution provides a universal cable covering system that securely clamps cables between the mudguard and covering means, preventing damage and interference, while being adaptable to different mudguard designs and widths, ensuring effective protection and easy installation.
Implementation Method 1
the fastening means are designed to be bendable... made of an elastically deformable material... elastically deformed and remain in the deformed state because the elastic restoring force of the fastening means is not sufficient to deform the mudguard
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The cable cover device has a cover unit (108) for partially covering a cable (106) guided along the mudguard (104), and a fastening unit (110) for fixing the cover unit on the mudguard. The fastening unit is formed to embrace edges of the mudguard. The fastening unit is more deformable. The fastening unit is provided with a circular portion having opening whose size is changeable during bending of fastening unit. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) mudguard; and (2) bicycle.