Hollow Axle Quick Release for Dirt-Protected Wheel Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick release systems for bicycle wheels are prone to malfunction due to exposure to ambient conditions, such as dirt and moisture, which can hinder their operation, and may accidentally release the wheel from the frame, necessitating a solution that protects internal mechanisms and allows single-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
A quick release system with a hollow axle and internal locking objects, where the blocking and locking elements are housed within the axle, allowing operation from the proximal end, thus shielding them from ambient conditions and enabling one-handed mounting and dismounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If locking objects are mounted on the outer surface of the axle, then the quick release system can be operated, but the locking objects are exposed to dirt and moisture which may hinder their function
Solution Approach 1:
The locking objects are nested inside the hollow axle cavity rather than being mounted on the outer surface. The axle's hollow structure creates a protective enclosure that shields the locking mechanism from environmental contaminants while still allowing operational access through the cavity opening at one end.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow axle acts as a protective shell or enclosure for the locking objects. This shell structure provides physical protection against dirt and moisture while maintaining the necessary operational flexibility for the quick release mechanism to function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If locking objects are placed inside the hollow axle cavity, then they are protected from ambient conditions, but the system requires intervention at both ends of the axle which complicates operation
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release system is segmented into functional zones: the locking objects are positioned in the cavity near one end (first end) where they can be accessed and manipulated, while the other end (second end) serves as the operational interface. This segmentation allows protective enclosure while maintaining ease of operation from a single accessible location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the axle is inserted through the hub, then the wheel can be mounted between fork blades, but the locking mechanism may accidentally release the wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow axle structure provides a pre-established protective environment for the locking objects, cushioning them from environmental factors that could cause premature or accidental release. The enclosed cavity stabilizes the locking mechanism's operation and prevents unintended activation.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick release system for a wheel to be held between two blades of a fork is provided. The system has a hollow axle adapted to be slid in the hub of a wheel. The axle has a cavity and the axle has a first and a second outer end and a first outer end portion adjacent the first outer end and a first coupling means adapted to couple the system to a first of the two blades of the fork. The first coupling means has a cavity for receiving the first outer end portion of the hollow axle. At the first outer end portion of the hollow axle, at least one perforation is provided, at least one locking object is mounted inside the cavity of the hollow axle such that the locking object can extend partially and in radial direction through the at least one perforation. The system has a blocking means is provided inside the cavity of the axle, the blocking means being adapted to be operated from the second outer end of the axle moving the blocking means in axial direction, and adapted to force the at least one locking object in radial direction into the at least one perforation. The cavity of the first coupling means having a wall, the wall having a recess adapted to receive the part of the locking object extending through the at least one perforation in the axle.