Internal Steering Column Clamp to Prevent Steerer Tube Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shared personal mobility devices, such as motorized scooters, face issues with damage from harsh weather conditions and deformation of steerer tubes due to external clamps, leading to unrepairability and impractical separation from other components.
Innovation Solution
A steering column clamp with an internal clamp portion shielded from weather elements and a tightening mechanism that compresses the steerer tube without causing deformation, allowing for secure attachment and easy replacement or repair of the handlebar assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If external circular clamps are used to clamp the steering column to the steerer tube, then the steering column is securely attached, but the steerer tube may be deformed and become unrepairable or unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is inverted from an external circular clamp to an internal linear clamp that fits inside the steerer tube. This inversion changes the clamping mechanism from external compression that deforms the tube to internal support that prevents deformation, allowing secure attachment without damaging the steerer tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal clamp includes a flexible body with circumferential flexures that allow it to compress and adapt to the steerer tube while maintaining its protective function. This flexibility enables the clamp to securely hold the steering column without exerting excessive localized pressure that would deform the steerer tube.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external clamps are exposed to rain, sun, and snow, then they can be used outdoors, but the clamp components may become brittle, break, and no longer perform their intended function
Solution Approach 1:
The internal clamp is nested inside the steerer tube, which acts as a protective enclosure. This nesting arrangement shields the clamp components from direct exposure to weather elements like rain, sun, and snow, preventing them from becoming brittle or breaking while maintaining outdoor usability.
3Strength
If too much force is applied to the clamp to secure the steering column, then the attachment is stronger, but the steerer tube is deformed beyond repair
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the clamp from external to internal positioning, the force application mechanism changes from external compression that deforms the tube walls to internal support that distributes force along the tube's length, maintaining dimensional integrity while achieving secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible body with circumferential flexures distributes clamping force evenly around the steerer tube, preventing localized excessive pressure that would cause deformation. This flexibility allows the clamp to achieve secure attachment while maintaining the steerer tube's dimensional integrity.
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 prevents deformation of the steerer tube and ensures the scooter components can be reliably repaired and reused, maintaining functionality and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A tightening mechanism, when engaged, causes the internal clamp portion to compress about a steerer tube placed in a first end of the internal clamp portion
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods directed to a steering column clamp for securing a steering column to a steerer tube are provided. The steering column clamp may include an internal clamp portion having longitudinal slot disposed at least partially between a first end of the internal clamp portion and a second end of the internal clamp portion. The steering column clamp may include a tightening mechanism, when engaged, causes the internal clamp portion to compress about a steerer tube placed in a first end of the internal clamp portion. The steering column claim may also include an exterior wall portion at least partially enclosing the internal clamp portion such that a hollow portion is between the internal clamp portion and an internal surface of the exterior wall portion of the steering column clamp.