Self-Locking Spoke Nipple With Mid-Insert for Shorter Spokes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-locking nipples for spoked wheels require unnecessarily long spokes and material waste, as the insert is typically located at the axial end, necessitating over-processing and increased weight, and they often require disassembly for adjustment and are difficult to manufacture precisely.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking nipple design with a deformable insert positioned in an intermediate axial location, featuring a radially contractile cylindrical insert with a metal core for precise insertion and a widened head for maneuvering, allowing shorter spokes and adjustment without disassembly, utilizing a radially contractile insert with a discontinuous mantle and metal core for improved insertion and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the insert is positioned at the axial end of the nipple, then the self-locking effect is achieved, but the spoke must be needlessly long and over-processed
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is repositioned from the axial end to an intermediate radial position within the threaded hole, changing the spatial dimension of insertion. This allows the spoke thread to engage the insert without requiring excessive axial length, thereby reducing spoke length while maintaining the self-locking effect through radial interference fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is pre-positioned within the threaded hole at an intermediate location before the spoke is assembled. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the spoke is screwed in, the thread immediately engages the insert at the correct radial position, achieving self-locking without requiring the spoke to be overly long or extensively processed.
2Reliability
If the insert is positioned at the axial end of the nipple, then the self-locking effect is achieved, but material waste and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the insert from the axial end to an intermediate radial position within the threaded hole, the design eliminates the need for excessive spoke length and over-processing. This dimensional repositioning reduces material waste from both the spoke and nipple while maintaining the self-locking function through radial interference fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert position parameter is changed from axial end location to intermediate radial location within the threaded hole. This parameter change optimizes material utilization by eliminating unnecessary spoke length and processing, thereby reducing material waste while preserving the self-locking effect.
3Reliability
If the insert is positioned at the axial end of the nipple, then the self-locking effect is achieved, but the wheel has undesirable inertia effects
Solution Approach 1:
Repositioning the insert from the axial end to an intermediate radial position within the threaded hole reduces the required spoke length. This shortening of the spoke reduces the weight distributed at the distal ends of the spokes, thereby reducing undesirable inertia effects in the wheel while maintaining the self-locking effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Changing the insert position parameter from axial end to intermediate radial location reduces the necessary spoke length and associated weight. This parameter optimization reduces the weight of moving components (spokes) while preserving the self-locking function, thereby reducing unwanted inertia effects in the wheel.
4Reliability
If the insert is over-dimensional with respect to the threaded hole diameter, then engagement with the spoke thread is ensured, but insertion of the insert into the nipple presents substantial difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is pre-positioned within the threaded hole at an intermediate location before spoke assembly. This preliminary positioning allows the insert to be properly seated and secured without requiring excessive force or complex insertion tools, while still ensuring adequate engagement with the spoke thread through appropriate radial dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert dimensions are optimized by changing the position parameter from axial end to intermediate radial location within the threaded hole. This parameter change allows the insert to be sufficiently dimensional for reliable spoke thread engagement while fitting within the threaded hole without requiring excessive force or complex insertion processes.
5Ease of operation
If the nipple is designed for adjustment without disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The nipple is designed with a universal structure that allows both the initial assembly and subsequent spoke tension adjustment to be performed without wheel disassembly. The insert positioned at the intermediate radial location within the threaded hole enables this multi-functionality, allowing the same nipple structure to serve both assembly and adjustment purposes, thereby improving ease of operation without excessive complexity.
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
This design achieves a secure self-locking connection with reduced spoke length and weight, enabling precise and repeatable manufacturing, and allows for spoke tension adjustment without disassembling the wheel, while using tougher materials like Nylon and metal cores for durability.
Implementation Method 1
it deforms the walls of the passage of the insert while being inserted therein with an interference fit. This interference produces the desired locking between the thread of the spoke and the nipple
Implementation Method 2
the insert can be introduced, preferably from the head (5) side, inside the hole (7) up to a location near the seat (11) in a radially contracted condition
Data Source
AI summary
A nipple for spokes of spoked wheels includes a rod with an axial development, a threaded hole which is formed axially in the rod, the thread of the hole defining a root diameter and a crest diameter, a head which is widened with respect to the rod and a deformable insert which is inserted in a seat which is axially aligned with the hole and which is constructed in an axially intermediate position thereof. The insert, at least when it is inserted in the seat, has a passage for a threaded spoke end, the internal diameter of which is less than the root diameter of the thread of the hole so as to interfere with the thread of the spoke when it is screwed into the threaded hole.