Pannier Connection Device With Pivotable Attachment Concealment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pannier attachment mechanisms are cumbersome and prone to catching clothes or accessories due to their design, and they do not provide a convenient way to conceal the attachment arrangement when not in use.

Innovation Solution

A pivotable support member with an attachment arrangement that can be pivoted between an exposed attachment position and a concealed position, allowing the pannier to be used as a regular bag without exposing the attachment mechanism, and featuring displaceable attachment members that can be aligned along a common axis for secure attachment to various vehicles or persons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the attachment arrangement is exposed for attachment to the vehicle, then the pannier can be securely attached to the vehicle, but the risk of clothes or accessories getting snared or caught increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidrisk of catching clothes or accessories
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment arrangement is mounted on a pivotable support member that can be rotated between an exposed position (for attachment) and a concealed position (for safe carrying). This dynamic repositioning allows the system to adapt between the two conflicting requirements: when attachment is needed, the arrangement is exposed; when carrying as a regular bag is desired, the arrangement is rotated away to eliminate the snaring risk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is divided into separable components: the attachment arrangement and the support member. This segmentation allows the attachment arrangement to be independently positioned and concealed when not in use, rather than being permanently fixed to the pannier body. The detachable nature enables the attachment mechanism to be stored away, eliminating its harmful effect while preserving its useful function when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the attachment arrangement is permanently exposed, then attachment to the vehicle is always possible, but the pannier cannot be used as an ordinary bag without protruding parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment availabilityVSAvoidusability as regular bag
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable support member enables dynamic reconfiguration of the attachment arrangement's position. When the pannier needs to be used as a regular bag, the support member is rotated to conceal the attachment arrangement, giving the pannier a clean, streamlined appearance suitable for everyday use. When attachment is required, the support member is rotated to expose the attachment arrangement, providing immediate access for securing the pannier to a vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the attachment arrangement is concealed when not in use, then the risk of catching clothes is reduced, but the attachment mechanism becomes less accessible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk of catching clothes or accessoriesVSAvoidaccessibility of attachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a simple rotational movement of the pivotable support member to transition between concealed and exposed states. This dynamic mechanism ensures that the attachment arrangement is always easily accessible when needed - the user simply rotates the support member to the exposed position, and the attachment mechanism is immediately available. The rotational action is quick and requires minimal effort, so the reduced accessibility during concealed state does not create a significant operational barrier.

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 reduces the risk of the attachment mechanism catching clothing or accessories and allows for versatile attachment to different vehicles and models, enabling the pannier to be used as a bag or rucksack without protruding parts, while providing secure attachment when needed.

Implementation Method 1

The pivotable support member is adapted to be pivoted between an attachment position, in which the attachment arrangement is exposed for attachment to the vehicle, and a concealed position in which the attachment arrangement is in a non-operable position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Implementation Method 2

The at least one attachment member is adapted to attach to the vehicle by a rotational movement between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the lock position, the attachment member engages the vehicle in a retaining manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Data Source

PatentEP2684785B1Connection device for a pannier
Publication Date: 2015.11.04 THULE IP AB
  • EP2684785B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2684785B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP2684785B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a connection device (100) for a pannier (10) for a vehicle, and a pannier comprising such connection device. The connection device comprises; a pivotable support member (11) comprising an attachment arrangement (20) for attaching to the vehicle. The pivotable support member (11) is adapted to be pivoted between an attachment position, in which the attachment arrangement (20) is exposed for attachment to the vehicle, and a concealed position. The present invention provides a connection device comprising an attachment arrangement. The attachment arrangement can be displaced so as not to interfere with objects, e.g. getting snared or caught.