Bicycle Carrier Linkage Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable bicycle carriers have simple pivot connection structures that are prone to movement by unexpected forces, causing safety risks and operational inconvenience, requiring users to manage multiple components simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle carrier with a linkage mechanism and locking assembly, allowing the support rod assembly to be rotated relative to the base by a controlling member, which can be locked or unlocked to ensure stability and ease of operation with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple pivot connection structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because components can be easily moved by unexpected forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is designed to proactively engage with the positioning portion before any unintended movement can occur. The elastic member continuously applies force to maintain the locked state, preventing rather than reacting to instability. This preliminary locking action resolves the contradiction by providing reliability without requiring complex active monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member in the locking assembly automatically maintains the locked state through its inherent elasticity, without requiring external power or complex control mechanisms. The system self-regulates to prevent component movement, achieving reliability through a simple passive mechanical means rather than complex active control.
2Reliability
If positioning components are added to the pivot connection points, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the user has to grip on a swinging component with one hand and operate a positioning component with the other hand
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is integrated directly onto the controlling member, merging the locking function with the control operation. The user operates a single integrated component rather than separately managing a swinging component and a positioning component, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability through the combined design.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary that automatically maintains the locked state without requiring continuous user intervention. This mediator handles the stability function, freeing the user to operate the controlling member with one hand, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a locking assembly with elastic member is added, then the reliability is improved by preventing unintended movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member in the locking assembly is a passive component that automatically maintains the locked state through its inherent elasticity, without requiring external power sources, sensors, or complex control logic. This self-service mechanism provides reliability enhancement with minimal added complexity, as the elastic force is inherently present in the simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly uses simple, inexpensive elastic members that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than complex electronic or hydraulic systems. This approach provides reliable locking functionality with minimal complexity, using basic mechanical components that are straightforward to manufacture and maintain.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle carrier is provided, including a base, a support rod assembly and a locking unit. The base has a plurality of first engaging portions. The support rod assembly is optionally rotatably disposed on the base. The locking unit includes a second engaging portion, a linkage mechanism, at least one positioning portion, a locking assembly and a controlling member. The linkage mechanism is disposed in the support rod assembly, the linkage assembly is respectively connected to the second engaging portion and the controlling member, the at least one positioning portion is disposed on the support rod assembly, the locking assembly is movably disposed on the controlling member, the controlling member controls the second engaging portion to be connected to the first engaging portion via the linkage mechanism, and the controlling member is positionably connected to the at least one positioning portion via the locking assembly.