Coupling Edge Alignment for Secure Bicycle Luggage Fastening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for portable objects to vehicles like bicycles and mopeds are cumbersome, difficult to use, and often incompatible with various types of luggage carriers, requiring precise positioning and additional fastening points, which complicates secure and easy attachment.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a coupling edge and edge coupling means that allow for easy and secure attachment by relative movement in a specific direction, with positioning means ensuring correct alignment and automatic coupling through rotation, enabling attachment to any type of vehicle component without additional manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If multiple click connection elements are used for fastening, then the stability of the portable object is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to required precise positioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of portable objectVSAvoidease of fastening operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is divided into two independent coupling means: a first coupling means (click connection element) that provides stable attachment, and a second coupling means (coupling edge with positioning means) that enables easy alignment and connection. This segmentation allows each coupling means to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning means on the coupling edge performs preliminary alignment action before the final click connection is made. The positioning means includes features like positioning protrusions and grooves that guide and pre-align the coupling elements, ensuring they are correctly positioned before engagement, thereby eliminating the need for precise manual positioning during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple fastening points are required, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of coupling device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling edge integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the coupling surface, includes positioning means for alignment, and facilitates the connection of both coupling means. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining reliable attachment through multiple coupling points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling edge is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different portable objects and vehicle types. The positioning means and coupling structure are configured to work with various geometries and sizes, making the device versatile and reducing the need for specialized components for different applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If precise positioning is required for coupling elements, then the stability of fastening is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of fasteningVSAvoidease of manufacturing coupling device
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning means on the coupling edge enables self-alignment and self-positioning during assembly. The positioning protrusions and grooves automatically guide the coupling elements into the correct relative positions without requiring precise pre-positioning or complex adjustment mechanisms, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly processes while maintaining stable fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3341273B1Device for fastening a portable object to a vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.10.14 CURANA INVEST
  • EP3341273B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3341273B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3341273B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Device for detachably fastening a portable object (100) to a vehicle such as a bicycle, comprising a first coupling device for the vehicle, comprising a coupling edge (1) and a first coupling means (2), and a second coupling device (II) for the object (100), comprising edge coupling means (11), which can be connected to the coupling edge (I), and a second coupling means (12), which is provided to be detachably coupled with the first coupling means (2), wherein the coupling edge (1) and the edge coupling means (11) are connectable in several relative positions of the coupling devices (I), (II), whilst the first (2) and second coupling means (12) are couplable only in a single relative coupling position, and wherein the coupling edge (1) and/or the edge coupling means (11) comprise positioning means (3) to position the coupling devices (I), (II) with connected coupling edge (1) and edge coupling means (11), according to the longitudinal direction of the coupling edge (1), in the said one single relative coupling position.