Quick-Release Thru-Axle Adapter for Bicycle Trailer Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing thru-axle systems require complete removal from the bicycle frame for assembly or disassembly of attachments like bicycle trailers, making the process complicated and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A two-part quick-release axle design where the rod remains attached to the frame, and only the quick-release unit is removable for assembly or disassembly, allowing for easier and faster attachment and detachment of coupling elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire quick-release axle is removed from the bicycle frame to assemble or disassemble the coupling element, then the coupling element can be accessed, but the wheel becomes unfixed and the process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release axle is divided into two separable parts: a rod that remains in the bicycle frame to secure the wheel, and a quick-release unit with the coupling adapter that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the coupling element to be accessed without removing the entire axle, resolving the contradiction by enabling easy operation while maintaining wheel security.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling adapter portion is integrated into the quick-release unit, which can be extracted from the rod. This extraction allows the coupling element to be assembled or disassembled by removing only the necessary portion (the quick-release unit with coupling adapter) while leaving the rod in place to maintain wheel fixation, thereby reducing time loss and simplifying operation.
2Ease of operation
If the quick-release unit is made separable from the rod, then assembly/disassembly of attachments is simplified, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release axle is segmented into a rod and a quick-release unit with distinct functions. The rod provides wheel securing functionality while the quick-release unit provides attachment functionality. This segmentation simplifies operation for attachments while the modular design keeps the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-release unit serves multiple functions: it acts as both a quick-release mechanism for the axle and a mounting platform for the coupling adapter. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while enabling easy attachment assembly/disassembly.
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
Enables simpler and quicker assembly/disassembly of attachments without needing to remove the entire axle from the bicycle frame, enhancing usability and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the quick-release unit comprises a second threaded portion and the rod comprises a complementary to the second threaded portion formed third threaded portion, so that the rod and the quick-release unit connectable to each other and from each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a thru-axle (10) for attaching a wheel to a bicycle frame, comprising a rod (20) with a first threaded section (22) for attachment to a first frame section of the bicycle frame and a mounting section (26) for attachment to a second frame section of the bicycle frame, a quick-release unit (30) connected to the rod (20), and a coupling adapter section (40) for receiving a coupling element (100) for an attachment, wherein the quick-release unit (30) comprises a second threaded section (32) and the rod (20) comprises a third threaded section (24) designed complementary to the second threaded section (32), such that the rod (20) and the quick-release unit (30) can be connected to and detached from each other.