Add-On Wheel Tray Layout for Expandable Bike Load Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load carrier systems mounted on vehicle trailers are often cumbersome and not adapted to evolving sports equipment requirements, lacking in safety and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a load carrier with an asymmetric supporting frame and add-on wheel trays that can be configured between use and stowage modes, featuring a carrying frame, wheel supports, and a coupling structure for secure bike attachment, allowing for improved space utilization and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If load carrier systems are designed to meet highest safety standards, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases making them cumbersome to use
Solution Approach 1:
The load carrier system is divided into separate functional modules: a base load carrier with carrying frame and coupling, and detachable add-on parts including wheel trays and supporting arms. This segmentation allows the core safety-critical components to be simplified while maintaining overall reliability through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The add-on parts are designed with universal coupling mechanisms that can be attached to and detached from the load carrier. The wheel trays and supporting arms can be configured in different arrangements to accommodate various sports equipment, providing multi-functionality without permanently increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If load carrier systems are designed to accommodate traditional equipment, then adaptability is limited, but device complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The add-on parts including wheel trays and supporting arms are designed to accommodate various types of sports equipment through universal coupling mechanisms. Users can attach different combinations of add-on parts to the base load carrier to adapt to evolving sports equipment requirements without redesigning the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration by enabling users to attach, detach, and rearrange add-on parts according to their specific needs. The supporting arms can be positioned at different locations on the carrying frame, and wheel trays can be attached to different sides, providing adaptability while keeping the base structure simple.
3Area of stationary object
If wheel trays are positioned along the cross direction path, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility to load carrier coupling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel trays are designed as separate add-on parts that can be attached to specific sides of the load carrier. By segmenting the wheel tray assembly from the main coupling mechanism, the design allows wheel trays to extend into the cross direction for space efficiency while keeping the coupling area accessible on the opposite side.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting frame and wheel trays are positioned asymmetrically along the cross direction, with the coupling mechanism located on one side and wheel trays on the opposite side. This asymmetric arrangement maximizes loading space in the cross direction while maintaining accessibility to the coupling area.
Data Source
AI summary
An add-on wheel tray for a carrier. The add-on wheel tray is configured to be mounted on the carrier at a designated position on the carrier and is configured to increase the predefined maximum number of bicycles supported on the carrier. The add-on wheel tray includes a supporting structure configured to support wheels of a bicycle, and a coupling structure configured to securely connect the supporting structure with the carrier. The supporting structure is configured to move between an in-use configuration in which the supporting structure has an enlarged dimension and a stowage configuration in which the supporting structure has a reduced dimension.