Asymmetrical Bicycle Storage Layout for Compact Double-Row Parking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle storage systems face challenges in accommodating bicycles of varying sizes and geometries, leading to interference and inefficient use of space, particularly in locations with limited space availability.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle storage unit design that utilizes asymmetrical spacing of support posts and hoisting systems to accommodate bicycles in a double row, minimizing loading and storing widths by staggering and positioning bicycles to avoid component interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the space to be apportioned to a selected bicycle is designed using the largest available dimensions of bicycles, then all bicycle models can fit, but the space may be over-large, limiting the number of bicycles that could be stored in the unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different space proportions to different bicycles based on their actual dimensions. Each bicycle is assigned a storage space proportional to its size, allowing smaller bicycles to occupy less space while larger bicycles occupy more space. This resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient use of space (storing more bicycles) while still accommodating various bicycle models through differentiated space allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of space allocation from a fixed maximum dimension approach to a proportional allocation approach. By adjusting the space proportion parameter based on each bicycle's actual dimensions, the system can store more bicycles (improving quantity) while maintaining adaptability to different models through the proportional scaling mechanism.
2Quantity of substance
If the space apportioned to a selected bicycle is too small, then more bicycles can be stored, but certain models of bicycles may not fit safely into it without the stored bicycle appropriating some of the space intended to be used by another bicycle, raising the risk of adjacent bicycles catching onto each other and/or causing harm to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures safety by providing each bicycle with a storage space proportional to its actual dimensions. This local quality approach prevents smaller bicycles from being forced into spaces that are too tight, eliminating the risk of bicycles catching onto each other while still maximizing the total number of bicycles that can be stored through efficient proportional allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and assigning appropriate space proportions to each bicycle before storage. This preliminary space allocation ensures that each bicycle receives sufficient space to fit safely without interfering with adjacent bicycles, preventing the need for bicycles to appropriate space from others while maintaining high storage density.
3Reliability
Bicycles are popular targets for theft, due to their relatively low weight, portability, relative value and easy resale. Bicycle locks may deter theft, but, even when used properly, locks are often ineffective to stop bicycle theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a security system as an intermediary between the bicycle and the storage facility. This intermediary system includes authentication mechanisms and access control that verify the legitimacy of bicycles entering storage, thereby preventing theft without requiring complex security measures on the bicycles themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on mechanical bicycle locks with a digital/security system approach. Instead of depending on physical locks that are often ineffective, the system uses authentication protocols and access control mechanisms to prevent theft, reducing the complexity of securing individual bicycles while improving overall security effectiveness.
4Object-affected harmful factors
Bicycles can become damaged if left out in the elements, and many bicycle parking areas are open air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where individual bicycle storage spaces are contained within a larger enclosed facility. This nesting arrangement provides protective enclosure for each bicycle while maintaining efficient use of space, protecting bicycles from environmental damage without requiring excessive storage space coverage.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5A~5D
AI summary
A bicycle storage unit (300; 500) has a support base with parallel, horizontal first and second base frame bars (314, 324; 514, 524) spaced apart from each other; and vertical, parallel support posts (311, 321; 511, 521, 531) extending perpendicularly from the base bottom frame bars, for suspending bicycles (50) in a double row along the length of the unit. Adjacent support posts in a first and second set of support posts are spaced apart on the first and second side, respectively, to allow at least part of a bicycle to be passed therebetween for suspending from one of the support posts in the second and first set, respectively. One of the first set of support posts is positioned on the first base frame bar at a first post location that is across the space between the first side and the second side from a second post location on the second base frame bar between adjacent support posts in the second set.