Spoked Bicycle Wheel Spoke Attachment Aerodynamic Turbulence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current spoked bicycle wheels experience aerodynamic inefficiencies due to the design of the lower bridge, which affects performance with both front and side winds, and are not suitable for tubeless tires.

Innovation Solution

A spoked bicycle wheel design featuring a holding element to prevent spoke attachment elements from moving radially outward, allowing for secure positioning without upper bridge holes, and a spoke attachment element with a reduced internal projection to minimize aerodynamic turbulences, enabling use with both conventional and tubeless tires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the spoke attachment element projects significantly from the rim to allow gripping during mounting and adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the aerodynamic behavior deteriorates due to increased turbulence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of gripping spoke attachment elementVSAvoidaerodynamic turbulence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a tool with a gripping element that acts as an intermediary to interact with the spoke attachment element. The tool's gripping element engages with the spoke attachment element's external projection, allowing mounting and tension adjustment operations without requiring the spoke attachment element itself to have a large gripping surface that would create aerodynamic turbulence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If holes are made in the upper bridge for spoke attachment, then the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but the aerodynamic behavior and structural strength deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of spoke attachment installationVSAvoidaerodynamic drag and structural weakness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by making the spoke attachment element removable through the lower bridge rather than through the upper bridge. The spoke attachment element is inserted from the lower bridge, with its head engaging the spoke from below, eliminating the need for holes in the upper bridge while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If the spoke attachment element is designed to prevent radial outward movement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional holding elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespoke attachment stabilityVSAvoidnumber of holding elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the holding function into the existing spoke attachment element structure. The external projection on the spoke attachment element serves dual purposes: it provides the gripping interface for the tool and simultaneously acts as the holding element that prevents radial outward movement when engaged by the tool's gripping element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11433699B2Spoked bicycle wheel and spoke attachment element for such a wheel

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 CAMPAGNOLO SRL

AI summary

A spoked bicycle wheel having a rim at least partially comprised of a composite material. The rim has at least one spoke attachment chamber with a plurality of spoke attachment holes. The wheel has a plurality of spokes coupled with the rim and a spoke attachment element partially inserted in a respective spoke attachment hole. The wheel includes a holding element that prevents the movement of said spoke attachment element along a radially outer direction. The spoke attachment element has a holding surface configured for abutment against the holding element.