Steering Bearing Internal Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle steering assemblies with internal cable routing face issues such as reduced structural integrity, water and dirt intrusion, and aerodynamic drag, due to conventional cable routing methods that compromise the strength and design of the steering components.
Innovation Solution
The proposed steering bearing assembly incorporates a compression ring with an angled and tapered aperture for internal cable routing, which maintains structural integrity while minimizing water and dirt intrusion and aerodynamic drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cables are routed externally through the frame and front end, then cable routing is simple and accessible, but the bicycle is exposed to physical impact and abrasion, increases aerodynamic drag, and hinders accessory attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing aperture is nested within the compression ring structure itself, allowing cables to pass through the bearing assembly internally rather than externally. This nesting approach protects cables from external hazards while maintaining routing simplicity through the integrated aperture design.
2Device complexity
If cables are routed through the steering tube wall, then internal cable routing is achieved, but the structural integrity and load-carrying capacity of the steering tube is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing function is segmented from the steering tube structure and transferred to the compression ring. The compression ring with its integrated aperture handles cable routing, while the steering tube maintains its full structural integrity without wall penetrations. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between internal routing and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ring acts as an intermediary component between the external cable routing requirements and the internal steering tube structure. It provides the aperture for cable passage while protecting the steering tube from direct cable routing modifications, thus preserving the steering tube's load-carrying capacity.
3Device complexity
If the steering tube axis is offset from the head tube axis to provide space for cable routing, then cable routing space is created, but translation and rotation during steering occur instead of only rotation, causing awkward and unnatural steering feel
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing function is segmented from the steering tube-head tube alignment system and assigned to the compression ring. This allows the steering axes to remain aligned for natural steering operation while the compression ring provides the necessary aperture space for cable routing without requiring axis offset.
4Device complexity
If an additional hollow element is added forward of the head tube for cable routing, then cable routing is enabled, but the length of the bicycle frame forward of the down tube increases and aerodynamic drag increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing aperture is merged into the compression ring structure that is already part of the bearing assembly. This eliminates the need for separate additional hollow elements forward of the head tube, thereby maintaining compact frame geometry and minimizing aerodynamic drag while enabling internal cable routing.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle steering bearing assembly includes features for internal routing of actuator cables. Apertures through the elements of the steerer bearing assembly are configured to provide for the maximum actuator cable size while providing uniform application of forces to the steerer tube and upper bearing. Such apertures may be angled or partially angled from vertical, and may be or may include tapered sections. The apertures may also include a relief feature.