Bicycle Carrying System with Segmented Bumper Mounts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle carrier racks are heavy, inflexible, difficult to move or adjust, complex to assemble, and impede access to the vehicle, while also requiring numerous straps for securement.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, portable bicycle carrying system featuring separable wheel mount devices and adjustable straps that attach to a vehicle's bumper, allowing easy installation and removal, with angular adjustment and securement through vehicle seams for stable bicycle support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional rigid frame racks are used, then structural strength is improved, but weight increases and portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidrack weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rack is divided into multiple independent components: bumper-mounting portions that attach to the vehicle, wheel mount portions that support bicycles, and separable connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables easy assembly/disassembly, reducing overall weight while maintaining structural strength during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with adjustable and movable components. The angular adjustment capability and separable design allow the rack to adapt its configuration, enabling users to optimize between strength and portability based on whether the rack is installed or being transported.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If permanently attached racks are used, then stability is improved, but ease of movement and adjustment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack stabilityVSAvoidease of movement and adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rack is divided into bumper-mounting portions and wheel mount portions that can be independently attached and adjusted. This segmentation allows the rack to be stable when installed while enabling easy movement and reconfiguration by simply detaching and reattaching components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack incorporates dynamic elements including angular adjustment mechanisms and separable connections that allow the structure to transition between fixed and movable states. This enables the rack to provide stability during use while maintaining ease of movement when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If complex rigid structures are used, then load bearing capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex load-bearing structure is broken down into simple, modular components: bumper-mounting portions with basic attachment mechanisms, wheel mount portions with straightforward support structures, and connection elements. Each component is simple in design but collectively they provide the necessary load bearing capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack components are designed with universal features that allow them to perform multiple functions. The bumper-mounting portions provide both structural support and attachment functionality, while the wheel mount portions provide both support and adjustment capabilities, reducing the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If traditional racks are used, then bicycle support is improved, but accessibility to vehicle deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebicycle support reliabilityVSAvoidaccessibility to vehicle

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rack components are designed to be compact and separable, allowing them to be installed in a way that minimizes interference with vehicle access. The bumper-mounting portions attach to the vehicle bumper, positioning the wheel supports away from the main vehicle body, thereby maintaining accessibility while providing reliable bicycle support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Reliability

If multiple straps are used, then securement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurement reliabilityVSAvoidstrap system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rack design integrates securement functionality directly into the structural components. The bumper-mounting portions and wheel mount portions incorporate built-in securement mechanisms that combine multiple functions into single elements, reducing the number of separate straps needed while maintaining securement reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8998050B1Bicycle carrying system

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 BATTLE RYAN

AI summary

A bicycle carrying system includes a first bicycle wheel mount device, a second bicycle wheel mount device, and one or more straps. The first bicycle wheel mount device couples on a vehicle bumper at a first location on the vehicle bumper. The second bicycle wheel mount device couples on a vehicle bumper at a second location on the vehicle bumper. The straps secure a frame of the bicycle to the vehicle.