Novel mountain bicycle accessory designed to improve safety, reduce costs

Siddhesh Dubal, an undergraduate student and researcher in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute, created a novel, simple accessory that routes the cables on bicycles to the steerer tube to clear them out of the way. (Image provided) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A small, new accessory for mountain bicycles could help improve safety and reduce manufacturing costs by controlling excess cables that hang off the bikes.

Siddhesh Dubal, an undergraduate student and researcher in the Purdue University Polytechnic Institute, created a novel, simple accessory that routes the cables on the bicycles to the steerer tube to clear them out of the way.

“Long cable lengths are used on mountain bikes to provide enhanced safety in case of a crash where the handlebar spins,” Dubal said. “The long wires can prove to be hazardous in case bushes, climbers or tree branches get stuck while riding through a narrow alley, snapping the lacing, leading to a fatal accident.”

Dubal said the accessory he created uses simple geometric concepts to ensure that the cables are located in such a position to keep them out of the way and hidden, but they get deployed automatically in the event of an accident or crash.

A novel mountain bicycle accessory is designed to improve safety and reduce costs. (Image provided) Download image

“I created this device based on my own experiences while mountain biking in India and other locations,” Dubal said. “It provides convenience, safety and confidence for riders, and is also simple and cheap to manufacture and install on a bike.”

Dubal is working with the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization to patent the technology. The office recently moved into the Convergence Center for Innovation and Collaboration in Discovery Park District, adjacent to the Purdue campus.

The researchers are looking for partners to continue developing their technology. For more information on licensing and other opportunities, contact Joe Kasper of OTC at jrkasper@prf.org.

About Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization

The Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university's academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. The office recently moved into the Convergence Center for Innovation and Collaboration in Discovery Park District, adjacent to the Purdue campus. In fiscal year 2019, the office reported 136 deals finalized with 231 technologies signed, 380 disclosures received and 141 issued U.S. patents. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2019 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Place from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. In 2020, IPWatchdog Institute ranked Purdue third nationally in startup creation and in the top 20 for patents. The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Contact otcip@prf.org for more information.      

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to today’s toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 6 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at purdue.edu.

Writer: Chris Adam, 765-588-3341, cladam@prf.org 
Source: Siddhesh Dubal, sdubal@purdue.edu