Two-Piece Bicycle Disc Brake Protector for Wheel Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disc brakes on bicycles are prone to damage during transportation and contamination during maintenance, with existing solutions failing to provide adequate protection.
Innovation Solution
A disc brake protector comprising an inner and outer cover made of flexible materials that encase the disc brake, including the rotor, calliper, and brake pads, with a closable opening for the axle and a hook and loop fastener for secure attachment, allowing the wheel to rotate while protecting the brake components from damage and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the disc brake is exposed during bicycle transportation and maintenance, then the wheel can rotate freely and access is easy, but the disc brake is vulnerable to damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is divided into two separate covers: an inner cover that fits around the axle and encloses the disc brake, and an outer cover that attaches to the inner cover. This segmentation allows each cover to be optimized for its specific function while together providing comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner cover is nested within the outer cover, with the inner cover fitting around the axle and the outer cover attaching to the inner cover. This nested structure provides layered protection while maintaining a compact design that does not interfere with wheel rotation.
2Reliability
If a cover is added to protect the disc brake, then damage and contamination are prevented, but the wheel rotation may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
Both the inner and outer covers are made from flexible materials (inner cover from flexible plastic, outer cover from flexible foam material) that allow the wheel to rotate freely while providing protection. The flexibility ensures that the covers do not rigidly constrain the wheel movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The covers are designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing them to flex and move with the wheel rotation. The flexible materials enable the protector to adapt to the rotational motion without interfering with the wheel's ability to turn.
3Strength
If the inner cover is made from rigid material, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and ease of installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cover is made from flexible plastic rather than rigid material, changing the material parameter to achieve an optimal balance between structural strength and flexibility. This flexible plastic provides sufficient strength to protect the disc brake while allowing ease of installation and accommodation of wheel rotation.
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 protector effectively safeguards the disc brake from damage during transport and contamination during washing and maintenance, ensuring the bicycle's wheel can still rotate with the protector in place.
Implementation Method 1
an outer cover which is attachable to the inner cover
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a disc brake protector (1; 101) for a bicycle (200), the disc brake protector comprising (a) an inner cover (10; 110) for fitting around an axle (220) of a bicycle wheel (205, 225) between the wheel and the disc brake, the inner cover comprising a closable opening (15; 115) for insertion of the axle, and (b) an outer cover (5) which is attachable to the inner cover such that, in use, the covers enclose the disc brake. The invention also relates to a method of attaching the disc brake protector, as well as to a bicycle fitted with the disc brake protector.