Bicycle Pannier Hook Mounting for Vibration-Secure Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle pannier mounting systems are complex and costly, with unreliable locking mechanisms that can lead to involuntary detachment during use, particularly due to vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A simplified bicycle pannier mounting arrangement featuring a locking device with a first hook member and a second hook member that pivots between open and retaining positions, providing a secure attachment using few components, with a lever arm portion for improved leverage and a flexible locking mechanism that allows easy release without excessive force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mounting system with multiple parts is used, then adaptability to different bicycles is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different bicyclesVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is designed with a universal hook member configuration that can accommodate different bicycle frame shapes and sizes. The hook member's geometry and the locking mechanism work together to provide a standardized interface that adapts to various bicycle types without requiring multiple specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex mounting system with multiple parts is used, then adaptability to different bicycles is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different bicyclesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device employs a universal design where a single hook member configuration serves multiple bicycle types. This reduces the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured, stocked, and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability across different bicycle models.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device integrates multiple functions into a single unified mechanism. The hook member simultaneously provides attachment, positioning, and locking functions, eliminating the need for separate components for each function. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to adapt to different bicycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a simple locking mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but reliability of locking decreases due to vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of partsVSAvoidlocking reliability during vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device extracts the essential locking function from a complex multi-component system and implements it through a single, well-designed hook member. By focusing on the core locking mechanism and eliminating unnecessary intermediate parts, the design achieves both simplicity and reliability. The hook member's geometry is specifically optimized to resist vibrational forces while maintaining a secure lock.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If excessive force is required for release, then locking security is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidease of release
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device incorporates a dynamic release mechanism that allows the hook member to transition smoothly between locked and unlocked states. The design includes features such as cam surfaces or lever arms that provide mechanical advantage during release, enabling the user to disengage the lock with minimal force while maintaining strong locking security during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 offers a cost-efficient and reliable locking function that reduces the risk of detachment, ensuring secure attachment to the bicycle frame or rack while allowing easy release, even for users with limited pulling force.

Implementation Method 1

The lever arm portion comprises a locking portion which is configured to pivotally lock the second hook member with respect the first hook member when in the retaining position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

The outer peripheral surface is provided on an opposite side of the first hook member with respect to the seat surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4273032B1A bicycle pannier mounting arrangement
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 THULE SWEDEN AB
  • EP4273032B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4273032B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4273032B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a bicycle pannier mounting arrangement comprising a releasable hook member arrangement (400) which comprises: - an elongated element (410) extending in a longitudinal direction (L), - a hook member (40) comprising a hook portion (41) and a connection portion (42) for connecting the hook member (40) to the elongated element (410), and wherein the hook portion (41) is adapted to extend substantially in a direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) when the hook member (40) is connected to the elongated element (410), - at least one distance element (420) comprising a bore (421) for connecting the at least one distance element (420) to the elongated element (410), and - a locking member (430), such as a nut member, for locking the hook member (40) and the at least one distance element (420) to the elongated element (410).