Impact Protector Mounting with Deformable Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact protector mountings for vehicles, particularly bicycles, often cause damage to crank arms, bottom brackets, and frames due to excessive force transmission, movement during impact, and inadequate attachment methods, which can lead to unsafe operating conditions and structural damage.
Innovation Solution
The development of impact protector mountings that direct force to a frame structure without intermediate transmission through drivetrain components, using multiple bolted or splined connections to a mounting plate that does not contact drivetrain components, and incorporating a deformable adapter to absorb impact forces, while integrating with chain guides to reduce damage and enhance protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If impact protector is mounted using bottom bracket as single bolted connection, then mounting is simple, but excessive impact forces damage bottom bracket and drivetrain components
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting plate attached to the frame, a deformable adapter, and the impact protector. This segmentation allows the impact forces to be distributed across multiple attachment points and components rather than concentrated on a single bottom bracket connection.
Solution Approach 2:
A deformable adapter is introduced as an intermediary component between the impact protector and the mounting plate. This adapter absorbs and mitigates impact forces through controlled deformation, protecting the bottom bracket and drivetrain components from excessive forces while maintaining the mounting structure's integrity.
2Strength
If impact protector clamps between bottom bracket and frame, then attachment is secure, but impact causes rotation exposing protected components
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system uses multiple separate attachment points distributed across the frame structure rather than a single clamping connection. This segmentation provides geometric stability and prevents rotation during impact by distributing restraining forces across multiple anchored locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is strategically positioned and anchored at specific locations on the frame that optimize both attachment security and rotational stability. The local placement of multiple attachment points creates a stable geometric configuration that resists rotation while maintaining secure attachment.
3Strength
If screws are used to gouge impact protector into frame, then attachment is firm, but frame damage occurs at screw points
Solution Approach 1:
A deformable adapter component is used that can flex and deform under impact loads rather than transmitting concentrated forces to the frame. This flexible intermediary absorbs impact energy through controlled deformation, preventing damage to the thin-walled frame tubing while maintaining firm attachment of the impact protector.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable adapter serves as an intermediary that decouples the rigid connection between the impact protector and the frame. It provides firm attachment while protecting the frame from damage by absorbing and distributing impact forces through its deformable structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If clamp type designs are used, then attachment is simple, but thin walled tubes are crushed during clamping
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single clamping mechanism that concentrates force on thin-walled tubes, the mounting system segments the attachment into multiple distributed connection points. This distributes the clamping and impact forces across a larger area of the frame structure, preventing localized crushing of thin-walled tubing while maintaining attachment simplicity.
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 solution effectively minimizes damage to mounting components, maintains protector location, and integrates with chainguides, providing a lightweight, cost-effective solution that absorbs impact forces without compromising drivetrain integrity.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a deformable adapter to absorb impact forces
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention relates to impact protector mountings and methods of using such mountings for parts or structures that are susceptible to impact or the forces of an impact. Protectors of the invention are useful to protect any parts or structures in vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, cars, trucks, off-road vehicles, utility vehicles, and other vehicles. Impact protector mountings of the invention can be used to protect any parts and structures, including sprockets, disc brake rotors, engine parts, bottom brackets, drivetrain components, and other components susceptible to impact damage.