Motorcycle Windshield Fixing Device with Elastic Spacer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fixing devices for motorcycle accessories, such as windshields, often lead to accidental detachment due to insufficient tightening torque, posing safety concerns and also compromise the aesthetic appeal and ease of assembly.

Innovation Solution

A fixing device with a tubular element attached to the handlebar, utilizing an elastic spacer element, a frusto-conical washer, and a metal clip spring to ensure axial retention of the shaft, preventing accidental detachment while allowing easy removal by rotating the shaft, and maintaining a sleek design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If reversible junction means (nuts, levers) are used to allow easy removal of accessories, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental detachment when tightening torque is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of removalVSAvoidaccidental detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is divided into two independent retention mechanisms: a primary reversible junction means (nut or lever) for controlled removal, and a secondary axial locking element (clip spring engaging with the shaft) that provides continuous axial retention. This segmentation ensures that even if the primary means loosens, the secondary mechanism prevents accidental detachment while maintaining ease of intentional removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axial locking element (clip spring) acts as a preventive safety mechanism that is already in place before operation. It provides continuous axial retention throughout the device's operation, cushioning against the harmful effect of potential loosening of the reversible junction means before accidental detachment can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple component parts with bolts are used for fixing devices, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The axial locking element (clip spring) and the reversible junction means (nut or lever) are merged into a single integrated fixing device assembly. This combination provides both the adaptability of multiple fixing mechanisms and the simplicity of a unified structure, reducing the overall number of separate components while maintaining versatile fixing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing device is designed with multi-functional components: the axial locking element provides continuous retention, the reversible junction means allows controlled removal, and the frusto-conical washer provides both mechanical fastening and aesthetic coverage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If visible fixing components are used to ensure secure attachment, then reliability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The frusto-conical washer acts as an intermediary element that covers the mechanical fastening components (bolt, nut, or lever mechanism) from view. It provides a sleek, aerodynamic appearance while the underlying fixing mechanisms remain functional and secure, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of reliability and aesthetics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The frusto-conical washer functions as a streamlined cover that conceals the fixing components. Its smooth, tapered shape provides both aesthetic appeal and aerodynamic efficiency while allowing the secure attachment mechanisms to function underneath, thus hiding complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 device ensures secure attachment of accessories even with loosening of standard junction means, enhances safety, maintains motorcycle aesthetics, and simplifies assembly and removal processes.

Implementation Method 1

through the interposition of at least one elastic spacer element (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A special nut (30) shaped as a sleeve, provided with an inside threading, engages with a threaded portion (32) of shaft (12) for moving the frusto-conical washer (28) in abutment against the elastic spacer element (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

at least one axial locking element (34) is integrally applied on shaft (12), preferably made as a cylindrical bushing provided with at least one flat grooved portion (36), which engages with a corresponding axial locking element (38), preferably made as a metal clip spring, attached to sleeve (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2292501B1Device for fixing accessories in a motorcycle, in particular for a windshield
Publication Date: 2014.08.27 PIAGGIO & C SPA
  • EP2292501B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2292501B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2292501B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

There is described a device (10) for fixing accessories in a motorcycle, in particular for a windshield (14), comprising at least one shaft (12) insertable in a sleeve element (18) constrainable to a fixed component (16) of the motorcycle. A portion of shaft (12) comprises at least one elastic spacer element (20) insertable into the sleeve element (18) and actuable by reversible junction means (30) between an expanded position, in engagement within the sleeve element (18), and a rest position, extractable from the sleeve element (18). At least one axial locking element (34) is integrally applied on shaft (12) which engages with a corresponding axial locking element (38) constrained to the sleeve element (18), so as to ensure the retain in the axial direction of shaft (12) within the sleeve element (18) also in case of loosening of the reversible junction means (30), and allow the extraction of shaft (12) from the sleeve element (18) only after the rotation, according to a predetermined angle, of the shaft (12) itself around its axis.