Bicycle Mudguard Stay Coupling for Secure Adjustable Frame Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for fixing mudguard stays to bicycle frames require multiple interventions for installation and adjustment, are prone to detachment under stress, and are not adaptable to different stay diameters, leading to safety concerns and material embrittlement over time.

Innovation Solution

A device with a reversible connection system featuring a pair of elements with orthogonal coupling devices and elastic components that provide secure retention and adjustable fitting, accommodating various diameters through a threaded nut and cut sections, allowing for easy assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed connection device is used to attach mudguard stays to the frame, then the device is simple in structure, but it requires multiple interventions for installation and adjustment and cannot be adapted to different stay diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidinstallation and adjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate elements: a first element that connects to the bicycle frame and a second element that connects to the mudguard stay. These elements can be independently adjusted and installed, eliminating the need for multiple interventions on the same component and allowing flexible adaptation to different stay diameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is designed to accommodate mudguard stays of varying diameters through its universal coupling mechanism. The second element can adapt to different stay sizes without requiring a completely different device, making the system versatile for various bicycle configurations.

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

2Reliability

If the mudguard stay is directly connected to the frame, then the connection is secure, but the assembler must perform dual intervention - initial fixing and subsequent regulation - increasing installation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinstallation steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the connection into two distinct elements with specialized functions, the device allows the first element to provide secure attachment to the frame while the second element handles adjustment and connection to the stay. This segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of secure connection and simplified installation procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the mudguard detachment force is increased to prevent accidental detachment, then safety is improved, but the material becomes more prone to cracking and breaking over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccident preventionVSAvoidmaterial durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device incorporates a yielding part that acts as a cushioning element, absorbing excess detachment forces before they can damage the plastic or resin materials. This protective mechanism allows the connection to be secure during normal use while preventing material failure under extreme stress or accidental impacts.

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

4Reliability

If the connection surfaces are made highly frictional to prevent detachment, then retention is improved, but detachment becomes difficult even when needed for maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention strengthVSAvoiddismantling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device employs a dynamic coupling mechanism with elastic components that provide strong retention during normal operation through friction and elastic pressure, but can be easily disengaged when needed. The elastic nature of the connection allows for controlled detachment during maintenance without requiring excessive force that could damage the materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The yielding part serves as a protective element that absorbs detachment forces, preventing sudden shock loads that could cause material failure during both normal use and maintenance dismantling operations.

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

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 enables secure, adjustable, and versatile attachment of mudguard stays with reduced risk of detachment, improved safety, and extended material durability, simplifying installation and maintenance while accommodating different diameters.

Implementation Method 1

a coupling provided with a retention component configured as an elastic component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

threading so that a nut with a hole can be screwed on, and which is capable of reducing the cross-section of a hole for receiving the stay, retaining it by friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3696063B1Device for attaching mudguard stays to a bicycle frame
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 EUROFENDER
  • EP3696063B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3696063B1 patent drawingFigure 4~10
  • EP3696063B1 patent drawingFigure 6~11

AI summary

This is a device for attaching mudguard stays to the frame of a bicycle consisting of some elements that can be fixed in a reversible manner that render the attachment of the end of the stay extremely secure and that allow it to be adjusted easily.