Removable Bicycle Carrier with Adjustable Strap and Foam Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing removable bicycle carriers for motor vehicles are not adaptable to a wide variety of vehicles, particularly those with integrated rear headlights or partially plastic tailgates, as they lack proper attachment points and can damage plastic components with traditional hooks.
Innovation Solution
A removable bicycle carrier with a transverse strap and support elements that adjust to fit various tailgate configurations, using a diabolo-style support element with flexible pads to ensure lateral stability and prevent damage, and adjustable straps with hooks or alternative attachments for secure and damage-free installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional hooks are used to attach the bicycle rack to the tailgate edges, then lateral support is provided, but the tailgate surface is damaged especially on plastic tailgates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces foam pads as an intermediary element between the hook and the tailgate surface. The foam pad distributes the clamping force over a larger area, preventing damage to the tailgate while still providing effective lateral support through the hook mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the attachment system by using foam pads with specific density and compression properties. These foam pads deform under load to distribute pressure, transforming the concentrated point load from a hook into a distributed area load that protects the tailgate surface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If hooks are positioned at the edges of the tailgate for strap attachment, then lateral stability is achieved, but integration with vehicles having taillights in the tailgate is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the attachment system dynamic by allowing the straps to be positioned at different locations along the tailgate. Instead of fixed hook positions, the straps can be adjusted to attach to various points including the tailgate edges or alternative locations, adapting to different vehicle configurations with or without integrated taillights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal attachment system that can function with multiple vehicle types. The strap-based system with adjustable positioning and alternative attachment methods (edge clamping or internal anchoring) allows the same bicycle rack to be installed on vehicles with different tailgate configurations, including those with integrated rear headlights.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rigid frame is held firmly against the tailgate, then longitudinal stability is achieved, but installation and removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic tensioning mechanisms in the straps that allow for easy adjustment during installation. The straps can be quickly tensioned to secure the rack in place, and equally easily released for removal. This dynamic adjustment capability provides firm longitudinal stability during use while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary action through pre-adjusted strap lengths and pre-positioned attachment points. The straps are designed with appropriate initial tension and length to automatically provide firm longitudinal stability once attached, eliminating the need for complex adjustment procedures during installation while still allowing easy removal when needed.
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 stable and secure attachment to a wide range of vehicles, including those with integrated rear headlights and partially plastic tailgates, without damaging the vehicle surfaces, ensuring optimal lateral retention and easy installation.
Implementation Method 1
configured to bear against a substantially flat surface of the tailgate of a motor vehicle, advantageously by means of foam pads
Implementation Method 2
hooks, provided at the second end of each of said straps, which clamp said upper edge
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6b
AI summary
A removable bicycle carrier (1) intended to be attached to the tailgate (H) of a motor vehicle (V) comprising: - a frame (10), intended to rest on said tailgate (H), - a transverse support means (3), in which said transverse support means (3) comprises: - a transverse strap (31), each of whose two ends (E31, E31') is attached to the frame (10), intended to extend substantially parallel to a transverse direction (DT) of the tailgate (H) inside the motor vehicle (V), and to bear against an inner face (FI) of the tailgate (H), and - two support elements (32), mounted to slide on the transverse strap (31), and two movable stop means (33) preventing the sliding of said support elements (32) on the transverse strap (31), said support elements (32) being configured to bear against an outer face (FE) of the tailgate (H), near of each of its lateral extremities (ELH, ELH').