Modular Planar Bicycle Frame Assembly Using Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle frames manufactured from tubular sections have structural limitations, are expensive, and lack flexibility in material usage and ergonomic sizing, with assembly processes that are complex and inflexible, limiting the adoption of new materials and designs.
Innovation Solution
A modular bicycle frame constructed from planar elements with standard dimensions, connected by fastening mechanisms, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and enabling the use of various materials and designs, including interchangeable components for ergonomic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If tubular sections are used for bicycle frame construction, then structural strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle frame is divided into multiple planar components (head tube assembly, seat tube assembly, down tube assembly, top tube assembly, bottom bracket assembly, chain stay assembly, seat stay assembly) that can be manufactured separately and assembled using fastening mechanisms. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural strength through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Fastening mechanisms serve as intermediaries to connect the planar components together, replacing complex welding or gluing processes. These fasteners enable easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining the structural integrity of the frame, thus reducing manufacturing complexity without compromising strength.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional welding or gluing methods are used to assemble frame parts, then structural integrity is improved, but assembly flexibility and disassembly capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanisms enable the frame to transition between assembled and disassembled states dynamically. This allows the frame to be assembled and disassembled multiple times while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, providing both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the frame into modular planar components connected by fasteners, the design allows for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining structural integrity through proper fastening. This segmentation enables flexibility in assembly configurations and facilitates maintenance or upgrades.
3Stability of the object's composition
If plate frame elements with multiple fasteners are used, then structural stability is improved, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The planar components are designed with varying thicknesses and material properties in different regions to provide structural stability only where needed. This local optimization reduces overall weight while maintaining necessary structural integrity at critical connection points and load-bearing areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame components can be manufactured from composite materials or optimized metal alloys that provide high strength-to-weight ratios. This allows for reduced material usage and weight while maintaining structural stability through the properties of advanced materials.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bicycle frame manufacturing processes are used, then material selection is limited, but production efficiency is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the frame into planar components enables the use of different materials for different parts, as each component can be manufactured independently using processes suited to the selected material. This maintains manufacturing efficiency through standardized production methods while expanding material selection flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for parameter changes in material selection (such as using carbon fiber, aluminum alloys, titanium, or wood) without fundamentally changing the manufacturing process flow. Each planar component can be optimized for its specific material properties while maintaining overall assembly efficiency through standardized fastening mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle frame assembly includes a first trimmed panel having a planar configuration defining a first plane and a second trimmed panel having a planar configuration defining a second plane. The first and second trimmed panels have a predetermined shape configuration and are positioned such that the first plane and second plane intersect. The bicycle frame assembly includes trimmed panels that include planar panels that define two, four, or even six planes.