Attachment Bracket with Strap Gripping Mechanism for Frame Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing attachment devices and support assemblies for frames, such as bicycle frames, often cause damage due to direct contact and are limited in load capacity, size, and versatility, and are not easily adjustable or detachable.

Innovation Solution

An attachment device with a length of material fixed to a body portion, featuring a gripping mechanism with a pawl and spring arrangement, allowing for tensioning and easy release, and a support frame with adjustable primary and secondary members for secure attachment to various frame configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the body of the attachment device comes into direct contact with the frame, then the attachment device can be securely attached to the frame, but damage can occur to the frame's paint or surface finish

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidframe surface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A length of material (strap, webbing, or cord) is introduced as an intermediary element between the attachment device body and the frame. This material is passed around the frame and secured by a gripping mechanism, allowing the attachment device to be firmly attached without the body portion making direct contact with the frame surface, thereby preventing paint or finish damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the attachment device is designed with a fixed construction, then it can provide stable support, but the maximum size and weight of items it can support are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidload capacity and size accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment device incorporates adjustable elements including an adjustable support frame with movable joints and repositionable attachment points. The length of material can be adjusted in length, and the support frame can be reconfigured to accommodate different load sizes and weights while maintaining stability through the gripping mechanism and adjustable structural members.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the support assembly is manufactured to a set size with specific attachment points, then it can be precisely fitted to certain bicycle types, but it cannot be used on different types and sizes of bicycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit precision for specific bike typeVSAvoidcompatibility with different bike types

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly is designed with universal adaptability through adjustable attachment points, reconfigurable support frame members, and an adjustable length of material system. These features enable the same device to be properly fitted to various bicycle types and sizes (mountain bikes, road bikes, children's bikes) while maintaining precise and secure attachment, eliminating the need for multiple specialized assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If the support assembly uses permanent fasteners such as bolts and clamps, then it can be securely attached to the bicycle, but it takes time and effort to attach and detach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment and detachment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical fastening system (bolts, nuts, and clamps requiring tools and manual tightening) is replaced with a gripping mechanism that uses a pawl and ratchet system combined with a spring-loaded release. This allows the length of material to be quickly secured around the frame by simple pulling and locking actions, and released by a quick release lever, dramatically reducing attachment and detachment time while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution minimizes frame damage, supports larger loads, reduces twisting and sliding, and allows for easy attachment and detachment, accommodating different frame sizes and types, enhancing versatility and stability.

Implementation Method 1

a pawl (6) and spring (8) arrangement, wherein the spring (8) is configured to engage or disengage the pawl (6) with the gripping mechanism (4)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2225145B1Improvements in and relating to attachments, brackets, and support assemblies

Publication Date: 2020.07.15 THULE IP AB

Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

An attachment device which includes:. - a length of material which is fixed to a body portion of the attachment device at one end thereof, the other end (free end) of the length of material being capable, in use, of being passed around a frame or part thereof to which the bracket is to be attached; and - a gripping mechanism capable of receiving the free end of the length of material and holding the length of material received therein, in a set position, until the gripping mechanism is released.