Foldable Bicycle Carrier Positioning Structure for Rod Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bicycle carriers experience loose abutting structures when a vehicle is in motion, leading to swinging of the fixing and connecting rods, which can cause the bicycle to fall off due to the inability to maintain a secure position.
Innovation Solution
A foldable positioning structure with rotatably connected rod members, an abutting assembly, a first elastic member, a controlling assembly, and a linkage, which allows the abutting assembly to move between engaged and disengaged positions to prevent swinging, and a locking mechanism to secure the rod members when the vehicle is in motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an abutting structure is used to prevent the fixing rod and connecting rod from swinging randomly, then the stability of the rod connection is improved, but the abutting structure moves up and down when the vehicle is on the road, causing it to get loose and the rods to swing relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The abutting structure is designed to be movable relative to the second rod member, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position in response to vehicle motion and road conditions. This dynamic capability enables the structure to maintain effective engagement with the first rod member while accommodating vibrations and movements, preventing the structure from getting loose and maintaining reliable connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning structure is divided into separate functional components: the abutting assembly that prevents swinging, the elastic member that provides continuous contact force, and the controlling assembly that manages engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the abutting assembly focused on stability and the elastic member on maintaining reliable contact under varying conditions.
2Reliability
If the abutting structure is made secure to prevent swinging, then the safety of the bicycle carrier is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking and controlling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member automatically maintains contact between the abutting assembly and the first rod member through its inherent elastic force, eliminating the need for additional active control mechanisms to maintain security. The structure serves itself by using the elastic member's natural properties to ensure continuous engagement, thereby improving safety without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary element between the abutting assembly and the rod members, providing a simple yet effective mechanism to maintain secure contact. This intermediary component translates the need for security into a straightforward elastic contact system, avoiding complex locking mechanisms while ensuring reliable prevention of rod swinging.
3Ease of manufacture
If the abutting structure is simplified to reduce device complexity, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to prevent rod swinging under road conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The abutting assembly is designed with simple movable components that can be easily manufactured, yet it dynamically responds to rod position changes to maintain effective engagement. The simplicity of the movable design does not compromise stability because the structure automatically adjusts to maintain contact, providing both ease of manufacture and reliable rod connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member provides automatic stabilization without requiring complex control systems or additional manufacturing steps. Its inherent elastic properties enable it to self-adjust and maintain contact force, ensuring rod connection stability while keeping the manufacturing process simple and the structure easy to produce.
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 foldable positioning structure effectively prevents the rod members from swinging relative to each other when the vehicle is on the road, ensuring the bicycle remains securely positioned and reducing the risk of it falling off.
Implementation Method 1
One of two ends of the first elastic member is engaged with one of the first rod member and the second rod member, and the other of the two ends of the first elastic member is engaged with the abutting assembly so that the abutting assembly has a tendency to move toward the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable positioning structure and a bicycle carrier including the same is provided. The foldable positioning structure is for being mounted on a main body of a bicycle carrier, the main body includes a first rod member and a second rod member which are rotatably connected with each other, the foldable positioning structure includes an abutting assembly, a controlling assembly and a linkage. The abutting assembly is disposed on the second rod member and movable relative to the second rod member. The controlling assembly is rotatably disposed on the second rod member and slidable relative to the second rod member, and the controlling assembly has an engaging portion which is radially disposed thereon. The linkage is connected to and between the abutting assembly and the controlling assembly.