PALS Panel Mounting for Flexible Bicycle Accessory Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle mounting systems are limited to specific storage solutions, requiring separate brackets for each item, and do not allow universal attachment of various items to handlebars and forks, lacking flexibility and compatibility.

Innovation Solution

A PALS-type panel system with L-shaped brackets and adjustable stabilization mechanisms, allowing universal attachment of items to handlebars and forks using T-nuts and bolts, with optional coil springs for tensioning, and a headtube clamp for alignment, enabling rotation or fixed orientation based on need.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate mounting brackets are used for each storage item, then each item can be securely mounted, but the system complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidnumber of mounting components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PALS panel serves as a universal mounting surface that can attach multiple different storage items (handlebar bags, seat bags, racks, panniers, phone holders, water bottles, tools) through a single standardized interface. The panel with its array of slots replaces the need for multiple specialized brackets, allowing one component to perform multiple mounting functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If specialized mounting brackets are designed for specific storage solutions, then mounting reliability for that specific item is improved, but adaptability to mount other items is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoiditem compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The PALS panel provides a universal mounting interface that accommodates various storage items through its standardized slot array. Different items can be attached using compatible fasteners (T-nuts, bolts, zip ties, straps) that interface with the panel's slots, enabling one mounting system to adapt to multiple item types while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is segmented into the standardized PALS panel and separate item-specific attachment mechanisms. The panel itself remains unchanged and standardized, while individual items can be attached or detached as needed, providing versatility without compromising the core mounting structure's reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid panel with multiple slots is used for universal mounting, then adaptability to mount various items is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting flexibilityVSAvoidpanel structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PALS panel uses a homogeneous structure with repeating slot patterns throughout the panel surface. This uniform, standardized slot array provides consistent mounting capability across the entire panel, simplifying the design compared to custom mounting solutions for each item position, while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

Data Source

PatentUS20250296648A1PALS Panel Accessory Mounting System for a Bicycle

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 ATWELL-DONAGHEY THORBIN

AI summary

A mounting system for a PALS panel for attachment to a bike is described. Embodiments of the mounting system are configured to secure a PALS panel to a front of a bike. One or more accessories can be secured to the PALS panel.