Strut Fixing Device with Bidirectional Deformation Hook
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strut fixing devices for bicycles suffer from stop portion fracture due to deformation fatigue and require inconvenient tool-assisted removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A strut fixing device comprising a base plate, a resiliently deformable fixing hook with a bending portion and abutting portion, and a coupling frame that engages the mudguard's hole, allowing secure strut attachment and easy removal without tool assistance by deforming in different directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stop portion is deformed in the same direction for both strut installation and removal, then the strut can be secured and removed using the same mechanism, but the stop portion may eventually fracture due to fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by making the bending portion deformable in opposite directions: pushing the abutting portion in a first direction deforms the bending portion to open the opening for strut installation, while pushing in a second direction (opposite to the first) deforms it to close the opening for strut removal. This bidirectional deformation prevents fatigue fracture by avoiding repeated unidirectional stress on the stop portion.
2Ease of operation
If the bending portion and stop portion need to be simultaneously pushed for strut removal, then the opening can be opened for strut removal, but the removal process becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixing device into functionally independent components: the bending portion with abutting portion for opening/closing the opening, and the stop portion for blocking the opening. This segmentation allows the abutting portion to be pushed independently to deform the bending portion and open the opening, without requiring simultaneous action on the stop portion, thereby simplifying the removal operation.
3Reliability
If a screw member is used to block and unblock the opening for strut attachment and removal, then the opening can be securely blocked and unblocked, but the user needs to use a screwdriver making the process inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by replacing the screw member that requires external tool assistance with a resilient bending portion that can be manually deformed by direct pushing. The abutting portion can be pushed by the user's finger to deform the bending portion, opening or closing the opening without requiring any external tools, thereby achieving both security and ease of operation.
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 device prevents stop portion fracture and facilitates convenient installation and removal of the strut without tools, ensuring durability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a bending portion (32) extending from the connecting portion (31), that is curved, that defines an opening (321), and that is resiliently deformable
Data Source
AI summary
A strut fixing device includes a base plate having a bottom plate portion, a fixing hook, and a coupling frame. The fixing hook has a connecting portion connected to the bottom plate portion, a curved bending portion extending from the connecting portion, defining an opening, and being resiliently deformable, an abutting portion formed at an end of the portion that is distal from the connecting portion, and a stop portion. The abutting portion abuts against the stop portion when the abutting portion is deformed to close the opening, thereby securing a strut to the bending portion. The coupling frame is disposed on the bottom plate portion of the base plate and is adapted to engage an engaging hole of a mudguard.