Adjustable Cycle Rack With Jackstands for Strap-Free Dirt Bike Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for securing and maintaining dirt bikes during travel, storage, and maintenance are inefficient, as tie-down straps cause wear and tangling, and existing stands are not adaptable for multiple bikes or uneven surfaces, leading to instability and security issues.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable cycle rack with extendable spacing rods, jackstands, and a locking mechanism that supports multiple dirt bikes of varying sizes, allowing for secure positioning and easy locking during transport and on the ground, while being adjustable for different heights and surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If tie-down straps are used to secure multiple dirt bikes, then the bikes can be transported, but the straps get twisted and tangled and cause wear on fork seals and other components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to secure multiple bikesVSAvoidwear on fork seals and components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful function of tie-down straps by replacing them with a dedicated rack system that securely holds bikes without contact points that cause wear. The rack provides structural support through rigid mounting points rather than flexible straps that rub against components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rack system serves multiple functions: it secures multiple bikes simultaneously, prevents wear on components, and can be configured for different bike sizes and types. The universal design accommodates various bike configurations without requiring different securing methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If tie-down straps are used to secure dirt bikes, then the bikes can be transported, but the straps can become loose during travel and bikes may move back and forth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to secure bikesVSAvoidsecurity of bike positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the unreliable tie-down strap system and replaces it with a rigid rack structure that provides consistent, reliable positioning. The rack's fixed geometry ensures bikes remain securely positioned without the risk of straps becoming loose or tangled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If single dirt bike stands are used for each bike, then each bike can be supported, but multiple stands are needed for multiple bikes which is challenging and space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidnumber of stands required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple individual bike stands into a single integrated rack system. The rack provides multiple support points and mounting locations that can accommodate several bikes simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate stands for each bike while maintaining support stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If kickstands are used on dirt bikes, then bikes can be supported on the ground, but they sink in soft ground, are not adjustable for uneven surfaces, and do not provide enough support to guarantee stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of ground supportVSAvoidstability on various surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rack system incorporates adjustable components that can be configured for different ground conditions and bike positions. The dynamic adjustability allows the rack to adapt to uneven surfaces and soft ground, providing reliable support that rigid fixed kickstands cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

5Reliability

If chains and pad locks are used to lock up multiple dirt bikes, then security can be provided, but it requires rearranging each bike and is time-consuming and frustrating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of bikesVSAvoidtime to lock and secure bikes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rack system provides pre-configured security mounting points and integrated locking mechanisms that are ready before bikes need to be secured. The structure is designed with built-in attachment points for locks and chains, eliminating the need to rearrange bikes to achieve security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240083368A1Adjustable cycle rack and associated methods

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 KOSTOFF LAUREN

AI summary

The adjustable cycle rack is for one or more cycles, configured to be selectively used with multiple different sized cycles, and configured to be used during transport and after transport. The adjustable cycle rack includes an elongated main frame, a first jackstand coupled to a first end of the elongated main frame, and a second jackstand coupled to a second end of the elongated main frame. Each of the first and second jackstands may include a lifter frame, a lifter carried by the lifter frame and adjustable to a selected height, an upper cycle mount coupled to the lifter and configured to support a cycle thereon at the selected height. A locking mechanism is configured to engage a portion of the cycle and secure the cycle to the upper cycle mount.