Laterally Pivoting Hook Lock for Bag Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional panniers for bicycles often hang uncontrollably from luggage racks, are heavy and difficult to mount, and protrude beyond the rack surface, causing an unpleasant ride and hindrance to cyclists.

Innovation Solution

A fastening system with a laterally pivoting hook lock mechanism integrated into a stiffened fastening rail, which is securely attached to the bag and luggage rack, featuring receptacles with circular nubs and a locking unit with a spring-actuated swivel hook to stabilize and secure the bag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional fastening means (hooks or straps) are used to attach panniers to the upper strut of the luggage rack, then the bag can be attached to the rack, but the bag hangs limply and uncontrollably, easily getting into spokes or chain and brushing against objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag stabilityVSAvoidmounting effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system employs a laterally pivoting hook lock mechanism that transitions from an open state during mounting to a locked state during operation. The hook can pivot laterally to engage with the receptacle and lock automatically, providing dynamic adaptation that ensures stable attachment without requiring excessive mounting effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state of the hook from movable (open) to fixed (locked) through lateral pivoting. This parameter change allows the hook to transition from an easily manipulated state during mounting to a stable, secure state during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of mounting and operational stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If panniers are designed with better shape and structure to prevent dangling, then stability improves, but the panniers become very heavy and require increased physical exertion to mount

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag stabilityVSAvoidpannier weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is segmented into distinct functional components: a fastening rail with receptacles, a separate hook mechanism, and a locking unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the hook provides mechanical advantage for easy attachment, the rail provides structural support, and the locking unit ensures stability - without requiring the entire pannier to be heavy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening rail acts as an intermediary element between the bag and the luggage rack. It distributes the load across multiple receptacles and provides a stable mounting structure that prevents the bag from dangling, while the bag itself remains lightweight since the structural support function is transferred to the rail system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If side panniers are attached to the upper strut of the luggage rack with fastening means, then the bag can be secured, but the surface of the luggage rack is no longer usable and the panniers protrude beyond the rack surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidluggage rack surface
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hook mechanism is designed to nest within the receptacle when locked, with the hook pivoting laterally to engage and secure the bag while remaining contained within the profile of the fastening rail. This nesting arrangement ensures secure attachment while maintaining a compact overall form that does not excessively protrude from the luggage rack surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook locks in the lateral direction rather than protruding forward, changing the dimension of engagement from radial protrusion to lateral securing. This allows the bag to be securely attached while the fastening components remain aligned with the luggage rack surface, preserving the usable area of the rack.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If a mechanical receptacle with lock is used for fastening, then attachment security improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to lock automatically when the hook is inserted into the receptacle and pivoted laterally. The spring-loaded hook self-actuates the locking action without requiring separate manual operations, providing secure attachment while minimizing the complexity of user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple lateral pivoting motion of the hook, distinct from the insertion motion. This separation of functions allows each motion to be simple and intuitive, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the dedicated locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 system provides improved handling and stability, preventing the bag from dangling or catching on bike components, reducing physical exertion during mounting, and maintaining a smooth luggage rack surface by keeping the bag securely attached and evenly distributed.

Implementation Method 1

The locking hook is designed as a hook that pivots laterally between the locking bars and is integrated into the fastening rail or is mounted into it from behind

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a laterally pivoting hook lock mechanism integrated into a stiffened fastening rail, which is securely attached to the bag and luggage rack, featuring receptacles with circular nubs and a locking unit with a spring-actuated swivel hook to stabilize and secure the bag

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2373536B1Fastening system for bags or containers
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 ORTLIEB HARTMUT
  • EP2373536B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2373536B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2373536B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening rail (2) or to a fastening system for bags or containers, particularly for saddle bags for attachment to a holding device, such as a luggage carrier or the like, wherein the fastening rail (2) is connected to a bag or a container and comprises at least one mechanical receiving element (5) having at least one lock (9) for a mating piece (6) on a holding device, wherein the lock (9) is designed as a hook swiveling in laterally between the at least one receiving element (5) and the at least one mating piece (6).