Bicycle Mudguard Fixing Device Elastic U-Shape Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bicycle mudguard fixing devices are impractical, difficult to use, and expensive due to the need for precise sequence of operations, special equipment, and potential damage to the mudguard edge during assembly, often requiring disassembly and specific tools.

Innovation Solution

A device with a partial separation gap between its parts, utilizing counterposed lever arms for pressure application on the mudguard carrying rod, allowing for secure assembly and disassembly without tools, and featuring protrusions for correct positioning and sliding prevention without edge interruption, ensuring structural solidity and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate elements (main body and auxiliary coupling device) are used for fixing the mudguard, then the fixing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and requires precise sequence of operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing functionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the main body and auxiliary coupling device into a single integrated fixing device. The U-shaped body incorporates both the mudguard holding function and the rod coupling function in one piece, eliminating the need for separate elements and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable fixing functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If special equipment is used for secure assembly of the main body to the auxiliary coupling device, then the assembly is secure, but the ease of manufacture decreases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly securityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing device is designed to assemble itself through elastic deformation of the U-shaped body. The arms are inserted into the rod ends, causing elastic expansion that automatically secures the coupling without requiring special assembly equipment or tools, thereby simplifying manufacturing while ensuring secure assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the edge of the mudguard is opened for insertion of a counterpart, then the fixing device can be attached, but the structural integrity of the mudguard is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of opening the mudguard edge to attach the fixing device, the patent inverts the approach by having the fixing device's arms pass through the rod ends and secure from the outside. This eliminates the need to compromise the mudguard's edge integrity while still achieving secure attachment through the U-shaped body's elastic coupling mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a partial separation gap is introduced between parts of the fixing device, then elasticity and range of motion are improved, but the structural solidity may be weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveelasticityVSAvoidstructural solidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped body is designed with elastic arms that can deform to accommodate the separation gap while maintaining overall structural integrity. The elastic material and geometry of the arms allow them to flex and return to position, providing the needed elasticity and range of motion without compromising the structural solidity of the entire fixing device

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 solution provides improved solidity and ease of assembly and disassembly, eliminating the need for special tools and preventing edge stress, resulting in a more practical, cost-effective, and stress-free installation process for bicycle mudguards.

Implementation Method 1

braccia elastiche del corpo a forma di U

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2423086B1Device for fixing a bicycle mudguard to a mudguard-holding rod
Publication Date: 2014.03.19 EUROFENDER
  • EP2423086B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2423086B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2423086B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A device (1) for fixing a bicycle mudguard to corresponding mudguard-holding rods, made in a single piece, and which is capable of coupling to the edge of the mudguard and with the mudguard-holding rods without the need for any additional components.