Bicycle Headset Mounting Device with Fold-Flat Accessory Grips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for secondary accessories on bicycles, such as GPS units and mobile devices, often require unique connectors and are not universally compatible with different bike stems, and lack a compact design when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device that fits directly onto the vehicle headset/stem via a headset bolt, featuring movable grips with spring-loaded flaps that rotate to grip accessories and a circular main body for universal compatibility, allowing various accessories to be securely attached and detached with a quarter-turn connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate mounting device with unique connectors is used for each accessory, then the accessory can be securely mounted, but the device complexity increases and universal compatibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device employs a universal connector system where the main body portion with mounting grips can accommodate multiple types of accessories (GPS units, mobile devices, cameras, lights) through a single standardized interface. The quarter-turn connector mechanism provides a unified connection method for diverse accessories, eliminating the need for multiple unique connectors while maintaining secure mounting capability.
2Ease of operation
If the mounting device is always extended to grip accessories, then accessories can be quickly accessed, but the device occupies more space and is less convenient when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting grips are designed as movable components that can dynamically transition between an extended gripping position and a retracted compact position. The spring mechanism enables the grips to automatically extend when an accessory is placed and retract when empty, allowing the device to adapt its volume based on operational needs while maintaining quick accessory access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting grips can be folded back against the main body portion when not in use, allowing the gripping components to nest within or alongside the main body structure. This nesting capability reduces the overall volume of the device when accessories are not mounted, while preserving the full gripping functionality when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the mounting grips are always extended away from the body, then accessories can be easily mounted, but the device cannot fold compactly when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting grips are designed as movable components that can dynamically transition between an extended gripping position and a retracted compact position. The spring mechanism enables the grips to automatically extend when an accessory is placed and retract when empty, allowing the device to adapt its volume based on operational needs while maintaining quick accessory access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting grips are integrated with the main body portion through a hinge connection that allows them to fold back against the body. The spring mechanism combines the gripping function with the folding capability, enabling the grips to serve dual purposes: extending for mounting and retracting for compact storage, thereby merging two seemingly contradictory functions into a unified design.
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
Provides a universal connector for a variety of accessories, ensuring secure attachment and detachment, and allows the device to fold compactly when not in use, enhancing convenience and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of mounting grips configured to movably connect to the main body from a first position substantially against the body, and a second position away from the main body
Implementation Method 2
a 'quarter-turn' or 'bayonet' connector, where a user connects and disconnects the accessory by first bringing the accessory into contact with the mounting part, a part-turn out of alignment. Once the locking mechanisms are aligned in the correct position, the accessory is turned (e.g. through a quarter-turn) to engage the locking mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory mounting device 1 comprises a main body portion 2, a pair of mounting grips 3a, 3b configured to movably connect to the main body 2 from a first position substantially against the body 2, and a second position away from the main body 2, the grips 3a, 3b in the second position configured to grip and hold a secondary accessory in position on the mounting device 1, the main body portion 2 configured to connect to a vehicle fork steerer tube.