Adjustable Bicycle Wheel Rack for Mixed Tire Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle racks are inadequate for parking bicycles with varying wheel widths, as they either fail to securely hold narrow racing bicycles or wide fatbikes due to fixed clamping mechanisms that do not accommodate different wheel sizes.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle rack with a variable width receiving space, adjustable via a hinge device, that clamps the tire rather than the rim, using rubberized fixing bodies and protrusions to securely hold wheels of different sizes, and can be compressed for easy storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed width receiving space is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate bicycles with different wheel widths
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle rack employs a variable width receiving space that can dynamically adjust between different widths to accommodate various wheel sizes. The fixing bodies are designed to move relative to each other, transforming the static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different bicycle wheel widths, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into separate fixing bodies that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the receiving space width to be adjusted by moving individual fixing bodies, enabling accommodation of different wheel widths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the receiving space width is variable, then different wheel widths can be accommodated, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing bodies serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable width adjustment through relative movement, and directly clamp the bicycle wheel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, allowing the rack to accommodate different wheel widths without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If the clamping force is concentrated on a small area, then the holding force is strong, but the rim may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing bodies are designed with specific local properties: they clamp the wheel at optimized locations and with optimized pressure distribution. The local quality of the clamping surfaces and the positioning of fixing bodies ensure that sufficient holding force is applied while avoiding concentration of stress on the rim, thus preventing rim damage while maintaining secure wheel holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing bodies act as intermediaries between the clamping mechanism and the wheel. They are designed to contact and clamp the wheel in a manner that distributes force appropriately, mediating between the need for strong holding force and the need to avoid rim damage by controlling where and how the force is applied.
4Ease of operation
If the bicycle rack is fixed in width, then it is structurally simple, but it cannot be compressed for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle rack employs a variable width receiving space that can dynamically adjust between different widths to accommodate various wheel sizes. The fixing bodies are designed to move relative to each other, transforming the static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different bicycle wheel widths, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into separate fixing bodies that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the receiving space width to be adjusted by moving individual fixing bodies, enabling accommodation of different wheel widths while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
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 solution allows for secure parking of bicycles with diverse wheel widths by distributing clamping force over a larger tire surface, preventing rim contact and minimizing the risk of wheel bending, while enabling easy adjustment and compact storage.
Implementation Method 1
using rubberized fixing bodies to securely hold wheels of different sizes, and can be compressed for easy storage and transport
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle rack with a wheel fixing means for fixing a wheel of a bicycle. The wheel fixing means comprises a receiving space for receiving the wheel in a clamping manner. The width of the receiving space can be varied to receive different wheel widths. Further, a single bicycle rack with only one such bicycle rack is provided. Moreover, a bicycle rack system with at least two such bicycle racks is provided which are connected with each other.