Flattened Steer Tube Bicycle Fork for Cable Routing Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern bicycles with slim designs face space constraints in the head tube for arranging shift cables, hydraulic lines, and wires due to limited dimensions, making it difficult to accommodate these components effectively.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle fork with a steer tube featuring longitudinal flattenings and a non-circular cross-section, allowing for an enlarged cavity within the head tube to house these components, and a cover cap with lead-through openings and seals to ensure secure installation and protection against humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the head tube dimensions are reduced for a slim bicycle design, then the aesthetic appearance and aerodynamics are improved, but the available space for arranging shift cables, hydraulic lines, and wires is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steer tube cross-section is changed from circular to non-circular (flattened) shape, utilizing dimensional transformation to create additional installation space within the same head tube envelope. The flattening creates a larger internal cavity while maintaining external compatibility with the head tube dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the steer tube are modified by introducing flattenings that extend in the longitudinal direction, changing the cross-sectional shape to maximize the available space for cable routing while keeping the outer dimensions constrained by the head tube.
2Strength
If the steer tube has a circular cross-section, then the structural strength and manufacturing simplicity are maintained, but the cavity space for arranging cables and lines is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The steer tube is designed with non-uniform cross-section, featuring flattenings in specific regions where cable routing is needed, while maintaining circular cross-section in other regions where structural strength is prioritized. This localized modification optimizes both strength and cable installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The steer tube cross-section is changed from symmetric circular shape to asymmetric flattened shape, creating uneven distribution of material that maximizes the internal cavity space while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through strategic placement of the flattenings.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle fork including two fork legs connected with each other via a fork bridge. The fork bridge is connected with a steer tube. For a simpler arrangement of shift cables, hydraulic lines, cables and the like, the steer tube includes at least one flattening extending in the longitudinal direction of the steer shaft.