Modular Cycle Frame with Removable Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cycle frames are static and not adaptable to different user sizes or purposes, limiting their versatility and requiring multiple frames for various activities and riders, which is costly and space-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A modular cycle frame design using sets of plates with removable fasteners and apertures that allow frame beams and components to be rearranged, enabling various configurations such as recumbent, off-road, and tandem setups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional static cycle frame is used, then the frame structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot be adapted to different user sizes or purposes, requiring multiple frames which increases cost and space requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different users and usesVSAvoidframe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cycle frame is divided into multiple discrete frame beams (top tube, down tube, seat tube, chain stays, seat stays, head tube) that can be independently selected and assembled. Each frame beam can be attached to plates at various orientations and positions, allowing the frame to be segmented and reconfigured for different cycling disciplines and rider sizes without requiring a completely different frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame design uses universal plates with multiple apertures that can accommodate different frame beams in various configurations. The same set of plates and fasteners can be used across different frame configurations, allowing a single set of components to serve multiple functions and create frames suitable for road cycling, mountain biking, recumbent cycling, and other disciplines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized cycle frames are purchased for different activities, then each frame is optimized for its specific purpose, but the total cost and storage space required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveversatility across cycling activitiesVSAvoidnumber of frames required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single set of frame beams and plates can be reconfigured to create multiple specialized frames. The universal plate design with multiple apertures allows the same components to be arranged in different configurations suitable for road cycling, mountain biking, recumbent cycling, and other disciplines, eliminating the need to purchase and store multiple specialized frames.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame configuration is made dynamic and changeable rather than fixed. Frame beams can be detached and reattached at different angles and positions using the plate and fastener system, allowing the frame to adapt its geometry and characteristics to match different cycling disciplines and rider preferences, effectively replacing multiple static frames with one dynamic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If frame beams are welded together in a fixed configuration, then the frame achieves high structural strength and stability, but it cannot be disassembled or reconfigured for different uses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe structural strengthVSAvoidframe reconfigurability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of welding frame beams into a monolithic structure, the frame is segmented into separate beams that connect to plates at joints. This segmentation allows the frame to be disassembled and reconfigured while maintaining structural integrity through the plate-and-fastener connection system, which provides both strength and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Plates serve as intermediary components between frame beams, replacing direct welding joints. These plates provide a standardized interface that maintains structural strength while enabling easy assembly and disassembly. The plates with multiple apertures act as mediators that allow frame beams to be connected in various configurations without compromising the overall frame strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a modular design with removable fasteners is used, then the frame becomes adaptable and reconfigurable, but the assembly and disassembly process requires more time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe reconfigurabilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The plates are pre-drilled with multiple apertures in specific patterns and positions, and frame beams are pre-designed with corresponding mounting features. This preliminary preparation of the components allows for quick identification and alignment during assembly, reducing the time and effort required to reconfigure the frame. The standardized aperture patterns enable rapid selection of the appropriate configuration without requiring complex measurements or calculations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11453458B2Cycle frames

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 MINER RODNEY RUSSELL

AI summary

A cycle frame may include a first set of plates and a plurality of frame beams attached between the first set of plates using removable fasteners.