Bicycle Carrier Frame Clamp with Pivot Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle carriers are aerodynamically inefficient due to their separate, add-on design, which does not align with the aerodynamic enhancements made to vehicles for reducing drag.
Innovation Solution
A frame clamp with pivotably connected jaws and an over-centre latch system, featuring adjustable resilient inserts and a locating rod, which provides a secure and adaptable clamping mechanism for bicycles, integrated into a bicycle carrier that reduces aerodynamic resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If add-on bicycle carriers are used to transport bicycles, then bicycle transportation capability is provided, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates due to increased drag
Solution Approach 1:
The frame clamp integrates the clamping mechanism and positioning elements into a unified structure that attaches to the vehicle's existing aerodynamic contours. The jaws, resilient inserts, and locating rod are combined into a single integrated component that maintains the vehicle's streamlined shape while providing bicycle transport capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed clamp distance is used in frame clamp, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as different bicycle sizes cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The frame clamp employs an adjustable connection mechanism with multiple apertures and a pivot bolt that allows the clamp distance to be dynamically changed. This enables the same clamp structure to accommodate various bicycle frame sizes while maintaining a simple manufacturing process using standard adjustable fastening components.
3Device complexity
If non-adjustable connection is used in frame clamp, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable connection uses a simple pivot bolt mechanism that can be moved between multiple fixed apertures in the opposing jaws. This provides discrete adjustment options for different bicycle sizes while keeping the overall device complexity low through the use of straightforward mechanical components.
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 frame clamp system enhances the aerodynamic efficiency of bicycle carriers by providing a secure and adjustable clamping mechanism that reduces drag and accommodates various bicycle sizes, improving the overall transportation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
resilient inserts arranged to clamp an object; wherein the resilient inserts provide tension to the over-centre latch
Data Source
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AI summary
A bicycle carrier 12 for carrying a bicycle 14 on a vehicle 10, the bicycle carrier 12 comprising a panel 18 of the vehicle 10, wherein: the panel 18 comprises a top surface and a channel 28 depending from the top surface and arranged to receive a bicycle wheel, and a frame attachable 20 to the panel 18 and comprising a frame clamp 52 for clamping to a portion of a bicycle 14.