Bicycle Frame Support Element for Damage-Free Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bicycle transport containers, particularly those made of cardboard, fail to securely and simply remove and transport bicycle frames without causing damage, especially for high-quality frames.

Innovation Solution

A bicycle transport container with a removable outer cardboard box and a frame holding element made from cardboard, featuring a base element with a standing surface, rear and fork fixing elements, and separate wheel containers to securely hold and transport bicycle frames and wheels, preventing damage during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a bicycle frame is removed from a cardboard transport container, then the frame can be accessed, but the frame may fall over or be damaged during handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of frame removalVSAvoidframe damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A removable frame support element acts as an intermediary between the container and the bicycle frame. This support element can be detached with the frame, providing continued protection and stability during handling without being permanently attached to the container structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame support element is pre-positioned within the container to match the frame geometry. When the frame is removed, the support element is simultaneously detached and can be immediately attached to the frame, providing ready-made protection before the frame is fully handled or placed elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Weight of moving object

If a frame support element is made entirely of cardboard, then it is lightweight and simple, but it may lack sufficient strength for high-quality frames

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport element weightVSAvoidframe support strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame support element combines cardboard with plastic reinforcing elements or coatings. The plastic components provide enhanced strength and rigidity while the cardboard maintains lightweight properties and structural form, creating a composite structure that satisfies both weight and strength requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If the frame support element is firmly secured in the container, then the frame is stable during transport, but the support element cannot be easily removed with the frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe stability in containerVSAvoidsupport element removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the frame support element and the container is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. Retaining elements allow the support element to be securely held during transport but can be easily released when needed, enabling it to be removed together with the frame without permanent attachment to the container.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If the base element dimensions exactly match the container interior, then lateral movement is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebase element positioning stabilityVSAvoiddimensional tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring exact dimensional matching across the entire base element, localized positioning features such as recesses, protrusions, or friction-fit areas are incorporated at critical locations. This provides sufficient lateral positioning stability while allowing broader tolerances in non-critical areas, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3957578B1Bicycle transport container
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 CANYON BICYCLES
  • EP3957578B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3957578B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3957578B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bicycle transport container has an outer container (54), which is primarily cuboid in shape. A frame support element (10) is arranged inside the outer container (54). The frame support element (10) can be removed from the outer container (54) together with the bicycle frame (16). Since the frame support element (10) has a base (14) designed as a standing surface, the frame support element (10) can stand independently of the outer container (54) together with the bicycle frame (16).