Compactable Bicycle Frame Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding bicycle designs are structurally weak and inefficient in compacting into a small shape, leading to potential premature failure and limited storage convenience.
Innovation Solution
A compactable bicycle design featuring a frame with a locking mechanism and pivot connections that allow the frame portions to align and lock in use, enabling efficient folding and unfolding, with a steering structure and support wheels for stability and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If folding mechanisms are used to enable compact storage, then the bicycle can be folded into a smaller shape, but the structural strength is reduced and the frame is at risk of premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple segments (first frame portion and second frame portion) that can be separated and reconfigured. The locking mechanism includes separate components (base member, expandable member, driver) that work together to secure the segments, allowing compact folding while maintaining strength when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism performs preliminary action by expanding the expandable member against the tube inner surfaces before the bicycle is subjected to use loads. This pre-positioning of the locking surfaces ensures the frame portions are securely locked together before any stress is applied, preventing premature failure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional folding mechanisms are used, then the bicycle can be disassembled for storage, but the compactness and folding efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing the expandable member to expand and contract as needed. The driver can be moved to different positions to engage or disengage the locking action, enabling the bicycle to transition between locked (use) and unlocked (storage) states efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable member automatically engages with the tube inner surfaces when expanded, creating a self-locking mechanism. The geometry of the expandable member and tube surfaces works together to maintain the locked position without requiring additional locking components, simplifying the overall mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 1e~1f
AI summary
In an aspect, a compactable bicycle is provided, comprising a base frame portion and a steering structure, at least one of which has a first and a second frame element. Each frame element has a locking surface, an end, and an aperture. The frame elements are positionable in a first position wherein the first and second apertures are aligned and the locking surfaces face away from one another, and in a second position in which the apertures are unaligned. A plunger has first and second plunger locking surfaces and is movable to a clamping position where it extends in both the first and second apertures and engages the first frame element locking surfaces, and a release position wherein the plunger retracts from the second aperture sufficiently to permit the first and second ends to be separated from one another.