Quick-Release Device With Self-Rotating Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick-release devices are inconvenient to detach from forks due to unbalanced load and require a unique tool for rotation, making them difficult to use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release device with a shank, flange, and sleeve design that allows a lever to drive the shank for detachment, featuring a ring, sleeve, and washer mechanism to distribute load and enable easy rotation, eliminating the need for a separate tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional quick-release device uses a shaft with an enlarged head and a lever with a cam, then the device can be secured to the fork, but the lever cannot drive and rotate the shaft to make the device quickly detached, requiring a unique tool for rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the rotation function and detachment function into a single lever operation. The lever is designed to both rotate the shaft (via the cam mechanism) and drive the detachment process, eliminating the need for a separate tool to rotate the shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is given multiple functions: it acts as both the rotating mechanism (through cam engagement with the shaft) and the detachment actuator. This multi-functional design allows a single component to perform what previously required two separate actions or tools.
2Reliability
If the quick-release device is mounted on a fork with two parallel tubes, then the device can be secured, but the load on the device is unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces asymmetric elements in the shaft design, including an offset keyway and asymmetric groove positioning, which allow the shaft to self-align and distribute loads more evenly across the two fork tubes, correcting the unbalanced load condition.
3Strength
If a conventional quick-release device uses a shaft that requires a unique tool for rotation, then the shaft can be securely mounted, but it is inconvenient to rotate and detach the device
Solution Approach 1:
The lever's cam mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the shaft's keyway and groove features, allowing the lever itself to perform the rotation function without requiring an external tool. The device serves its own rotation needs through its existing components.
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 improved design allows for balanced load distribution and easy detachment of the quick-release device from a fork, enhancing convenience and usability by enabling self-rotation without additional tools.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a spring-loaded mechanism and teeth engagement to securely fasten and release the device from a fork
Implementation Method 2
A lever pivotally mounted onto the pivot. The lever includes a handle selectively engaged into the recess in the sleeve to drive the sleeve for rotating the shank via the ring
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-release device includes a shank and a flange radially extending from one end of the shank. A ring is sleeved on the shank and engaged to the flange. A sleeve is co-axially connected and engaged to the ring. A washer is received in the sleeve. A shaft is co-axially connected to the shank and sequentially extending through the ring, the sleeve and the washer. A pivot is transversely mounted to a distal end of the shaft and abutting the washer. A lever is pivotally mounted onto the pivot for selectively forcedly and inwardly pushing the washer and engaged to the sleeve.