Internal Converter Nipple for External Rim Hole Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle rims designed for external nipples cannot accommodate internal nipples, preventing the improvement of aerodynamic characteristics by installing internal nipples, which require accessing the rim's interior for installation.
Innovation Solution
An internal converter nipple with an extension that fits inside the hole of a rim intended for external nipples, allowing the spoke to be guided through the rim's hole, enabling installation of internal nipples in rims originally designed for external nipples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If internal nipples are installed in rims designed for external nipples, then aerodynamic characteristics are improved, but the installation becomes impossible due to incompatible hole dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The extension (4) of the internal converter nipple (1) is designed to fit inside the hole (A E ) of the rim (LL E ) like a nested structure. The extension has a diameter slightly smaller than the hole diameter and a length corresponding to the rim wall thickness, allowing it to be inserted through and positioned within the rim hole, thereby adapting the internal nipple for use in rims originally designed for external nipples
Solution Approach 2:
The extension (4) acts as an intermediary element between the internal nipple (1) and the rim (LL E ). It mediates the connection by fitting within the rim hole (A E ), providing a pathway for the spoke (R) and enabling the internal nipple to function in rims designed for external nipples, thus resolving the incompatibility issue
2Object-affected harmful factors
If internal nipples are used, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but installation complexity increases due to the need to access the rim's interior
Solution Approach 1:
The internal converter nipple (1) inverts the typical internal nipple design by adding an extension (4) that protrudes from the head (3) towards the rim's exterior. This inversion allows the spoke (R) to be threaded from the outside through the extension's orifice (41) and into the body's orifice (21), eliminating the need to access the rim's interior for installation while maintaining the aerodynamic benefits of an internal nipple configuration
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the hole diameter in the rim is reduced for internal nipples, then aerodynamic characteristics are improved, but the rim can no longer accommodate external nipples
Solution Approach 1:
The internal converter nipple (1) achieves multi-functionality by combining features of both internal and external nipples. The extension (4) with its orifice (41) allows the spoke (R) to pass through from the exterior, while the body (2) with its orifice (21) provides the internal mounting point. This dual-orifice design enables the single nipple to function as both an external nipple (spoke access from outside) and an internal nipple (mounting inside the rim), thereby maintaining compatibility with rims having smaller hole diameters
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention discloses an internal converter nipple (1) for being mounted in a rim for external nipples. The nipple (1) comprises an elongated body (2) having a threaded internal orifice (21) configured for the connection of an end of a bicycle spoke (R) and a head (3) protruding radially from an end of said body (2). The nipple (1) further comprises an extension (4) at a side of the head (3) opposite to that where the body (2) is, said extension (4) comprising an internal orifice (41) configured for the passage on the end of the spoke (R). The external diameter (D) and the length (L) of the extension (4) are configured to fit into a hole (AE) of the rim (LLE) for external nipples (CE).