Bicycle Carrier with Rotating Fork Mount for Space and Aerodynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle carriers face challenges such as vulnerability to tampering and theft when mounted on the rear of a vehicle, aerodynamic inefficiency and increased fuel consumption when mounted on the roof, and space constraints in garages and carparks due to elevated vehicle height.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle carrying rack with a fork mounting portion that can rotate from a vertical to a horizontal position, using an unequal length parallelogram hinge and energy dissipation device, allowing the bicycle to be securely and efficiently carried in either orientation, while minimizing aerodynamic resistance and accommodating low-clearance spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bicycle is carried on the rear of the vehicle, then ease of loading and unloading is improved, but the bicycle becomes vulnerable to tampering and theft
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier allows dynamic positioning of the bicycle between upright and laid-over states. The ability to tilt the carrier forward and lay the bicycle over creates a more secure configuration that is less accessible to thieves while maintaining ease of loading through the same mechanical structure.
2Ease of operation
If the bicycle is carried on the rear of the vehicle, then ease of loading and unloading is improved, but the bicycle is exposed to aerodynamic wake causing dust and road grime accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier can be tilted forward to lay the bicycle over, positioning it away from the aerodynamic wake of the vehicle. This dynamic repositioning reduces exposure to dust and road grime while the same mechanism enables easy loading and unloading operations.
3Reliability
If the bicycle is carried on the roof of the vehicle, then security from tampering and accidents is improved, but the vehicle height increases preventing access to carparks and garages
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier allows the bicycle to be laid over horizontally, reducing the vertical height of the vehicle when parked. This dynamic repositioning maintains security by keeping the bicycle elevated yet accessible, while enabling entry into low-clearance spaces like carparks and garages.
4Reliability
If the bicycle is carried upright on the roof, then security is improved, but aerodynamic resistance increases leading to higher fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier can be tilted forward to lay the bicycle over, creating a more aerodynamic profile that reduces wind resistance and fuel consumption. The same dynamic mechanism maintains security by keeping the bicycle elevated while improving energy efficiency during vehicle operation.
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 provides enhanced security, reduced fuel consumption, and improved accessibility by allowing the bicycle to be carried in a position that optimizes space usage and minimizes exposure to dust and debris, while ensuring safe handling and storage.
Implementation Method 1
The first mounting portion and second mounting portions are connected to the respective fork mounting portion and rear wheel mounting portion by an unequal length parallelogram hinge to rotate non-concentrically about the first axis
Implementation Method 2
The movement from the first position to the second position is controlled by an energy dissipation device
Implementation Method 3
at least one lock to lock the bicycle at least in the first position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention disclosed is a bicycle carrying rack to mount to a vehicle. The rack has first mounting portion to connect to a load carrier of the vehicle, and a fork mounting portion including a fork receiving portion. The fork mounting portion is rotationally mounted about a first axis from the first mounting portion. The fork receiving portion receives and locks to a fork of the bicycle. The fork mounting portion has, a first position adapted to locate the bicycle in a substantially vertical position, with the fork aligned in a substantially straight ahead position relative a major plane of the bicycle, and a second position adapted to locate the bicycle, in or toward a horizontal position, with the fork aligned at an angle turned away from the substantially straight ahead position. During the movement from the first position to the second position the fork receiving portion rotates about a second axis to rotate the fork away from the substantially straight ahead position, and vice versa when rotated from the second position to the first position. There is also at least one lock to lock the bicycle at least in the first position, so that a bicycle can be carried in either said first position or said second position.