Adjustable Bicycle Carrier Bar with Articulated Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle-carrier devices for motor vehicles are either complex and costly to manufacture, or they lack versatility in accommodating bicycles of varying dimensions and configurations, including those with extended wheelbases, and often require cumbersome adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle-carrier device featuring a transversely extending metal bar with adjustable cradle-shaped supporting elements and an articulated arm that can be locked in place, allowing for secure support of bicycles from below, with a compact design that adapts to different bicycle configurations and sizes, and includes a simple latch mechanism for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing bicycle-carrier devices are designed to be simple and economical to manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but versatility in accommodating bicycles of varying dimensions and configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the supporting elements adjustable along the bar. The first and second supporting elements can be positioned at different locations along the bar to accommodate bicycles of varying wheelbase lengths. This adjustability allows a single simple structure to adapt to multiple bicycle configurations, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing the bar with multiple adjustable supporting elements that can serve different functions. The same bar and supporting elements can accommodate standard bicycles, bicycles with extended wheelbases, and bicycles with non-standard configurations by simply repositioning the supports, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing bicycle-carrier devices are designed to accommodate bicycles of any dimensions and configurations, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the supporting structure into separate, independently adjustable elements (first supporting element, second supporting element, and third supporting element) that can be positioned separately along the bar. This segmentation allows each element to be adjusted independently to match the specific dimensions of different bicycles, achieving versatility without requiring a complex integrated structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing bicycle-carrier devices include adjustment mechanisms for different bicycle configurations, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing pre-defined positions along the bar where the supporting elements can be locked. These pre-established positions correspond to common bicycle wheelbase lengths and configurations, allowing users to quickly adjust the supports without complex calculations or adjustments. The locking mechanism at predetermined positions enables rapid adaptation to different bicycles while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle-carrier device includes a brace for connection to the frame of a vehicle, and bearing supporting elements to support one or more bicycles oriented transversely relative to the vehicle. The brace consists of a transverse bar, and the bicycles are supported by at least first and second supporting elements affixed to the bar, in positions that can be adjusted along the bar, so as to receive and support from below the two wheels of a bicycle. Mounted on the bar in an articulated manner is an arm that can be shifted between a raised operating position and a lowered non-operating position. Secured to the bar in an adjustable manner is at least one third supporting element that receives and supports from below an element of a bicycle frame. Each of the supporting elements is provided with means for locking in place the part that is received.