Tool-Free Wheel Clamping Assembly for Closed Bore Dropouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel clamping systems for bicycles and motorcycles, particularly those using closed bore dropouts, are complex and require specialized tools for quick release, leading to reduced rigidity and increased operational time, especially in high-tension applications like mountain biking.
Innovation Solution
A wheel clamping assembly featuring a slot assembly with transverse and perpendicular slots that engage with an engagement pin, allowing the axle to be rotated and pulled out in the direction of its longitudinal axis for easy removal and installation without tools, utilizing a cam lever and abutment member to provide clamping force parallel to the axle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a closed bore dropout is used to increase rigidity, then the rigidity of the wheel mounting system is improved, but the complexity of the quick release mechanism increases and tool-free operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The quick release mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a cam lever for applying clamping force, a slot assembly for engagement, and a dropout structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity and tool-free operation with closed bore dropouts.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional quick release lever mechanism is used for open bore dropouts, then tool-free removal is achieved, but the rigidity of the wheel mounting system is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dropout structure incorporates dynamic elements including a cam lever that applies variable clamping force and a slot assembly that allows rotational movement during engagement. This dynamic design maintains rigidity when clamped while enabling easy tool-free removal through rotational motion.
3Reliability
If screw threaded nuts are used to secure the wheel axle, then reliable fixation is achieved, but the time required for wheel removal increases due to tool requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional screw-threaded nut system is replaced with a cam-based quick release mechanism. The cam lever converts rotational motion into linear clamping force, providing reliable fixation without requiring threaded fasteners, thereby enabling tool-free removal and significantly reducing wheel change time.
4Ease of operation
If the dropout slot is oriented perpendicular to the axle direction for easy insertion, then ease of installation is improved, but the clamping force direction becomes misaligned reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The slot assembly incorporates both longitudinal and transverse slots that work together in different dimensions. The transverse slot facilitates lateral insertion of the axle, while the longitudinal slot aligns the clamping force with the axle direction during the clamping action, resolving the directional conflict.
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
Enables quick and tool-free removal and installation of wheels in closed bore dropouts, enhancing rigidity and simplifying operations while maintaining the quick release functionality, thus addressing the complexity and rigidity issues in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a cam lever and abutment member to provide clamping force parallel to the axle
Data Source
AI summary
An axle assembly (310) has a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, the axle assembly configured for rotatably mounting a wheel and hub assembly on an axle portion or the axle assembly, the axle portion located between the first and second ends, the axle assembly configured for affixing to first and second structural members (301, 302), at least one of the structural members (302) comprising a substantially closed bore orifice (306) wheel mounting point or dropout, said dropout having a first side configured for the axle portion to extend therefrom when said axle assembly (310) is fixed to said point and a second side, the axle assembly (310) comprising a first fixing means (309) at the first end for releasably fixing the axle assembly (310) to the first structural member (302) and a second fixing means (311) at the second end fog releasably fixing the axle assembly (310) to the second structural member (301).