Magnet-Guided Bicycle Frame Cover for Easy Blind Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable covers for bicycle frame openings are unintuitive and challenging to install, especially in low visibility conditions, making maintenance and access to internal components cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A removable cover for bicycle frame openings featuring a hook structure, pivot mechanism, and a magnet or ferromagnetic element that guides the cover into a secure, closed position using magnetic attraction, simplifying installation and ensuring secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a removable cover is designed to be completely removable from the opening, then maximum access space is provided when the opening needs to be accessed, but the cover becomes difficult to intuitively install and position correctly, especially in low visibility conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The magnet embedded in the cover and the ferromagnetic counter-element in the frame create an automatic guiding mechanism that draws the cover to the correct mounting position without requiring manual alignment or visual guidance, thus simplifying the installation process while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary force between the cover and the frame element. Instead of direct mechanical contact for positioning, the magnetic attraction guides the cover into the correct position during installation, and the ferromagnetic counter-element serves as the intermediary that transmits this magnetic force to achieve precise positioning and secure mounting.
2Reliability
If locking means are provided to secure the cover in the closed position, then the cover remains securely locked during bicycle use, but the mounting process becomes more complex and less intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic positioning system performs the alignment action preliminarily, before the actual locking engagement. The magnet and ferromagnetic counter-element automatically guide the cover to the correct position and initiate the locking sequence, so that by the time the user needs to secure the cover, the alignment is already completed, simplifying the final locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic system provides self-aligning and self-positioning functionality during the mounting process. The cover automatically finds its correct position through magnetic attraction without requiring external guidance or complex manual manipulation, making the installation process more intuitive and reliable.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the opening is placed at the underside of the frame element or is not clearly visible, then the bicycle frame design is optimized for aerodynamics and component protection, but the user cannot easily find the correct starting point to mount the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual detection and manual alignment mechanisms with a magnetic field-based positioning system. The magnet in the cover and the ferromagnetic counter-element in the frame create an automatic guiding mechanism that draws the cover to the correct mounting position without requiring visual guidance or manual searching, thus solving the problem of mounting difficult-to-see openings.
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 cover is easily and intuitively placed in the closed position, even in low visibility conditions, providing secure locking and preventing accidental detachment during vibrations or impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet or a ferromagnetic element is arranged on the cover, in the second end portion of the cover main body to cooperate with a ferromagnetic counter-element or a counter-magnet on the frame element in order to guide a placement of the cover into the mounting position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~6c
AI summary
A removable cover (100) for an opening in a frame element of a bicycle, comprises: a) a cover main body (101). b) a locking mechanism (103) arranged in a first end portion of the cover main body (101) to lock the cover (100) to the frame element in a closed position of the cover (100). c) a hook structure (102) arranged on an inner main surface (101s) of the cover main body (101), on a second end portion of the cover main body (101) opposite the first end portion, to cooperate with the frame element by interlocking the hook structure (102) and a pivot structure (150) of the frame element and creating a hinge mechanism allowing for swivelling the cover (100) relative to the frame element about a swivel axis in the second end region, between a mounting position and the closed position. wherein d) a magnet or a ferromagnetic element (104) is arranged on the cover (100), in the second end portion of the cover main body (101) to cooperate with a ferromagnetic counter-element or a counter-magnet (154) on the frame element in order to guide a placement of the cover (100) into the mounting position during a mounting process of the cover (100).