Modular Bicycle Carrier Mounting for E-Bikes and Rear Door Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle carriers for vehicles, particularly those on compact motorhomes, are limited in load-bearing capacity, require adaptation to specific van designs, and lack versatility for transporting conventional and e-bikes, leading to increased production, storage, and assembly costs, and often hinder door operation.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with pivotable mounting arrangements for vehicles, allowing universal use on various vans, accommodating both conventional and e-bikes, with adjustable and lockable components to ensure symmetric load distribution and door functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bicycle carrier is mounted on a vehicle's rear door using a mounting rail arrangement, then the carrier can be attached to various van types, but the load-bearing capacity is limited and door operation is hindered when transporting heavier e-bikes
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct mounting arrangements: a mounting rail arrangement for lighter loads and a mounting frame arrangement for heavier loads. This segmentation allows each mounting type to be optimized for its specific load range, with the frame arrangement providing enhanced load-bearing capacity through a more robust structure that distributes weight across multiple attachment points on the vehicle body
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is made articulated to the mounting bracket, allowing it to pivot between a folded position (when not in use) and an extended position (when transporting bicycles). This dynamic capability enables the carrier to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, and when folded, does not interfere with door operation
2Strength
If the bicycle carrier is designed with high load-bearing capacity for e-bikes, then it can transport heavier bicycles, but the rear doors can no longer be opened when bicycles are supported
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket is designed to pivot between extended and folded positions. When bicycles are not being transported, the support bracket can be folded back against the mounting bracket, clearing the path for door operation. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the conflict between maintaining high load-bearing capacity and enabling door access
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system separates the load-bearing mounting bracket (which remains fixed) from the support bracket (which pivots). This segmentation allows the mounting structure to maintain its load-bearing capacity while the support element can be repositioned to clear door movement paths when not in use
3Reliability
If different bicycle carriers are produced for different van types and bicycle types, then optimal installation is achieved, but production and storage costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with universal features that allow it to be adapted to different vehicle types through the selection of appropriate mounting rail or frame arrangements. The core carrier assembly remains the same, but can be configured for different applications by changing the mounting arrangement type, reducing the need for multiple specialized carrier designs
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the universal mounting bracket from the vehicle-specific mounting arrangements (rails or frames). This allows the expensive carrier assembly to be standardized and reused across different vehicle types, while only the mounting attachments need to be adapted, significantly reducing production and inventory costs
4Ease of manufacture
If a single carrier assembly is used for both conventional bicycles and e-bikes, then production costs are reduced, but the load-bearing capacity must be sufficient for the heavier e-bikes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed as a universal component that can serve both conventional bicycle and e-bike applications. By optimizing the mounting bracket and support bracket for higher load-bearing capacity, the same carrier assembly can handle the full range of loads, eliminating the need to produce separate carrier designs for different bicycle types
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the mounting arrangement to be changed (from rail to frame) based on load requirements. The mounting bracket and support bracket can be designed with parameters optimized for higher loads, and when used with the frame arrangement, provide sufficient capacity for e-bikes while maintaining compatibility with lighter conventional bicycles
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A modular bicycle carrier system for mounting bicycles on the rear of a vehicle with a body, comprising a mounting rail assembly for attachment to a rear door of the vehicle that pivots about a hinge axis, a carrier assembly comprising a mounting bracket and a support bracket articulated to the mounting bracket, and a mounting frame assembly for pivoting attachment to the vehicle body parallel to a hinge axis. The system includes a plurality of mounting rail assemblies and a plurality of mounting frame assemblies adapted for mounting on different vehicles, wherein the carrier assembly is designed for attachment to a mounting rail assembly or for attachment to a mounting frame assembly and for transporting conventional bicycles or e-bikes.