Bicycle Hoist Pulley Layout for Overhead Storage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bicycle storage solutions, such as floor stands, wall-mounted racks, and hanging hooks, face issues like space inefficiency, risk of bicycles falling, and user fatigue or injury from lifting and positioning bicycles.
Innovation Solution
A pulley-operated hoist system comprising mounting plates with arched channels and self-locking mechanisms, coupled with pulleys and cables, allows for elevated storage of bicycles, freeing up floor space and reducing user effort and risk of injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If floor stands are used to hold bicycles, then bicycles can be stored in place, but substantial floor space is required and bicycles may fall over if wheels are not held adequately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions bicycle storage from the horizontal plane (floor space) to the vertical dimension by mounting racks on walls and ceilings. This allows bicycles to be stored in three-dimensional space rather than consuming floor area, directly resolving the contradiction between stability and floor space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is divided into multiple independent rack units that can be configured in various patterns (parallel, perpendicular, stacked). Each rack segment independently secures a bicycle, allowing flexible arrangement that optimizes both space utilization and bicycle stability without requiring large continuous floor space.
2Area of stationary object
If wall-mounted racks with vertical stacking are used, then less floor space is occupied, but the amount of floor space available to the user is still reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rack system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow users to modify rack positions, orientations, and configurations based on their needs. This dynamic adaptability maintains ease of operation while maximizing floor space utilization through vertical stacking arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is designed to accommodate multiple bicycle orientations (parallel to wall, perpendicular to wall, stacked vertically) and can be installed on different surfaces (walls, ceilings). This multi-functionality ensures user accessibility is maintained across various configurations while minimizing floor space occupation.
3Area of stationary object
If ceiling hooks are used to hang bicycles, then floor space is maximized, but users must expend energy to lift and position bicycles which may result in fatigue and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate support structures (wheel holders, frame clamps, and assist mechanisms) that bridge the gap between floor level and ceiling mounting points. These intermediaries provide mechanical advantage and support during the lifting process, reducing the effort required by users while still achieving ceiling-level storage that maximizes floor space.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system incorporates self-lowering or gravity-assisted mechanisms that allow bicycles to be lowered into position with minimal user effort after initial lifting. The design enables the system to perform part of the work automatically, reducing overall user fatigue while maintaining the space-efficient ceiling storage configuration.
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 system efficiently utilizes overhead space, reduces the risk of bicycles falling, and minimizes user fatigue by allowing easy and secure lifting and positioning of bicycles, thereby optimizing storage and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A pulley-operated hoist system comprising mounting plates with arched channels and self-locking mechanisms, coupled with pulleys and cables
Implementation Method 2
A pulley-operated hoist system comprising mounting plates with arched channels and self-locking mechanisms, coupled with pulleys and cables
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system for elevating objects from a surface, such as storing a bicycle off the ground, the storage system including a first mounting plate coupled to a wheel; a second mounting plate spaced from the first mounting plate and coupled to a plurality of wheels; a first wheel assembly spaced from the first mounting plate; a second wheel assembly spaced from the second mounting plate; a cable operatively engaging each of the wheels; and a coupler extending from the first wheel assembly and a second coupler extending from the second wheel assembly. Each of the mounting plates may be made from a unitary piece of material, and each plate may include a plurality of arched channels for rotatably adjusting the mounting plates, e.g., to provide for generally linear alignment of pulley wheels when installing the system.