Bicycle Carrier Orientable Legs Integrated Cable Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle-carrying devices for motor-vehicles face challenges in simplicity of mounting and dismantling, stability during travel, bulkiness when not in use, safety against unauthorized removal, and efficient retraction of anchoring cables.
Innovation Solution
The device features orientable legs with integrated roll-up devices within their inner cavities, allowing for storage of anchoring belts and cables, along with a ratchet mechanism and tensioning system for easy mounting and quick retraction, and a clamping system for secure attachment to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If roll-up devices are arranged at the ends of the shaft for winding anchoring cables, then cable storage is enabled, but the hubs of legs cannot be used for clamping since they are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle-carrying device is divided into separate functional modules: the shaft with roll-up devices for cable storage is separated from the legs with clamping hubs. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interference, resolving the conflict between cable storage and clamping capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate structural arrangement where the roll-up devices are positioned at the shaft ends rather than integrated into the leg hubs. This intermediary positioning allows both the clamping hubs on legs and the roll-up devices on the shaft to coexist and function independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If legs are made orientable around the main axis for adaptability, then mounting flexibility on different vehicle shapes is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The legs are designed with orientable joints that allow them to rotate around the main axis, transforming from a static structure to a dynamic one. This enables the legs to adapt to different mounting positions and vehicle shapes while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientable legs serve multiple functions: they can be positioned at different angles to accommodate various vehicle rear shapes, provide stable support when extended, and integrate the clamping mechanism for secure attachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components.
3Ease of operation
If all legs are provided with roll-up devices for cable storage, then cable management is improved, but the leg structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The roll-up devices are nested within the leg structures, with the cable winding mechanism integrated into the leg's internal cavity. This nesting allows the cable storage function to be incorporated without significantly increasing the external dimensions or visual complexity of the legs.
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 enables quick and easy mounting and dismantling, enhanced stability during travel, compact storage, high safety against unauthorized removal, and efficient retraction of cables, while maintaining a functional and simple structure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring operatively interposed between the casing and the reel for winding said belt or cable in a direction around the winding axis
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet mechanism including: at least one toothed crown associated with said reel; a pawl pivotally mounted on said casing and elastically biased into engagement with said at least one toothed crown, so as to prevent a rotation of the toothed crown in the direction for unwinding said belt or cable
Implementation Method 3
a tensioning member pivotally mounted on said casing and having an actuating lever and a toothed sector associated with the actuating lever and engaging said at least one toothed crown
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle-carrying device for motor-vehicles comprises a support structure defining a main axis, and a plurality of legs carried by the support structure for abutment on the rear part of a motor-vehicle. At least some of said legs are orientable around said main axis. The device further comprises a plurality of arms carried by the support structure for supporting one or more bicycles, and a plurality of belts or cables associated with the bicycle-carrying device and each having a book member for engagement on the rear part of the motor-vehicle, for anchoring said bicycle-carrying device to the motor-vehicle. At least some of said legs have each a respective roll-up device for winding a belt or cable around a respective winding axis. Each roll-up device is arranged within an inner cavity of the respective leg with the winding axis located at a position spaced apart from said main axis.