Flexible Fiber Core Grip for Secure, Comfortable Handlebar Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle grips, such as those for bicycles and motorcycles, face issues with comfort and ease of installation, particularly with slide-on grips that require special fitting and can slip, and lock-on grips that provide a hard feeling due to a thin overmold of thermoplastic rubber.
Innovation Solution
A fiber core grip featuring a flexible woven or non-woven core with spaces between fibers, coupled with an elastomeric grip member, allowing for easy installation and enhanced comfort by penetrating the elastomeric material through these spaces, and providing a secure fit through end caps and a locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If slide-on grips are used, then comfort and ride feel are provided, but they require special care to be fitted and can slip during use
Solution Approach 1:
The grip combines a rigid thermoplastic core with an overmolded elastomeric material to achieve both secure attachment (rigid core function) and comfort (elastomeric function). This composite structure allows the grip to be firmly attached to the handlebar while maintaining ride comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid thermoplastic core for structural integrity and secure attachment, and an elastomeric overmold for comfort and texture. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If lock-on grips with rigid tube and thin TPR overmold are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the grip feels hard
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the overmold layer by using a thicker elastomeric material compared to conventional lock-on grips. This increased thickness transforms the grip feel from hard to comfortable while preserving the secure attachment properties of the rigid core.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of rigid thermoplastic core and elastomeric overmold creates a composite structure where the rigid core provides secure attachment and the elastomeric layer provides comfort, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and comfortable feel.
3Ease of operation
If slide-on grips are used, then comfort is provided, but additional adhesives and tools are needed for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid thermoplastic core serves a dual function: it provides structural support and acts as its own mounting mechanism. The core can be directly attached to the handlebar without requiring external adhesives or tools, making the installation process simpler while maintaining comfort through the elastomeric overmold.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid thermoplastic core performs multiple functions: it provides structural integrity, enables secure attachment to the handlebar, and serves as the mounting mechanism itself. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adhesives or installation tools.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber core grip with a flexible core is provided. The fiber core grip includes a grip member formed of an elastomeric material and a flexible core, such as a flexible woven core. The flexible woven core includes a first end cap having an aperture extending therethrough and a second end cap. The flexible woven core also includes a plurality of fibers woven together in a helix shape to create spaces between the plurality of fibers and provide the flexible woven core with a fill capacity of less than about 100%. The grip member may be coupled to the flexible woven core, and the grip member penetrates through the spaces between the plurality of fibers and contacts a handlebar when the fiber core grip is coupled to the handlebar.