Bicycle Carrier Load Arm Layout for Secure Tilted Rear Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-mounted load carriers, such as bicycle carriers, are often cumbersome, unstable, and fail to securely fasten or balance loads, while also obstructing vehicle access and information display.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle carrier system featuring a base with a rotatable wheel securement arm and wire assembly, allowing for adjustable tilt and multiple load arm positions, along with a locking mechanism and automatic retraction device for secure load attachment and easy access, and an adjustable vehicle information display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional securement mechanisms are used, then load attachment is achieved, but the device becomes cumbersome and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical securement mechanisms with a magnetic attachment system. Magnets embedded in the load carrier base securely hold bicycle wheels and components through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for cumbersome straps, bolts, and manual fastening operations while maintaining reliable load attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes magnetic field strength as a controllable parameter to achieve securement. By adjusting magnet size, strength, and distribution, the system provides sufficient holding force for various load weights and configurations, maintaining reliable attachment across different operating conditions without mechanical complexity.
2Productivity
If load carrier is attached to rear of vehicle, then load transport is enabled, but access to trunk and rear doors is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable load arm that can pivot between a horizontal transport position and a vertical storage position. When not in use, the load arm rotates upward against gravity (assisted by a spring mechanism), clearing the way for trunk and rear door access while maintaining load transport capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The load arm utilizes the vertical dimension for storage by rotating upward, rather than occupying only horizontal space. This dimensional transition allows the load carrier to clear the vehicle's rear access paths while maintaining its load-bearing function, effectively resolving the space conflict.
3Stability of the object's composition
If load carrier is positioned for optimal load security, then load stability is improved, but vehicle information and lights are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The load arm incorporates a rotatable joint that allows dynamic positioning adjustments. The arm can be rotated to different angles and heights, enabling the user to optimize load stability while maintaining visibility of vehicle information and lights, rather than being fixed in a single obstructive position.
4Device complexity
If fixed load arm position is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different load sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The load arm features a rotatable joint with multiple stop positions, allowing the arm to be positioned at various angles and heights. This dynamic adjustability enables accommodation of different load sizes and configurations (single bicycle, dual bicycles, cargo) while adding minimal structural complexity compared to a completely fixed design.
Solution Approach 2:
The load arm is divided into segmented sections with adjustable positioning stops. Each section can be independently positioned, allowing fine-tuning of the load carrier's configuration to match different load requirements, providing versatility through modular adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle carrier includes a vehicle attachment portion, a first load arm, and a second load arm. The second load arm is disposed between the vehicle attachment portion and the first load arm. The second load arm is configured to be removably coupled to the vehicle attachment portion and the first load arm.