Bicycle Lifting Device Wheel Holder Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle handling systems are not flexible enough to accommodate bicycles of different wheel sizes, leading to inefficiencies in storage and handling, and can pose safety risks due to the need for manual lifting, which is particularly challenging in urban environments with space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A lifting device that uses a wheel holder with a self-centering mechanism and rotation devices to align and lift bicycles of varying wheel sizes, allowing for vertical hanging and reducing the need for dedicated motors, while also incorporating guiding rails to prevent swinging and ensure secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed wheel holder design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate bicycles of different wheel sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel holder incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows it to change orientation dynamically. The wheel holder can rotate between a horizontal position for receiving wheels and a vertical position for storing bicycles, enabling the same structure to handle different wheel sizes and orientations without requiring multiple fixed structures
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel holder is designed to perform multiple functions: it can receive wheels of various sizes, rotate to different positions, and accommodate both front and rear wheels. This multi-functional design allows a single structure to replace what would otherwise require multiple specialized components for different wheel sizes
2Ease of operation
If manual lifting is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but operator injuries occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables operators to place wheels into the wheel holder at a convenient delivery level without manual lifting. The wheel holder then automatically transports the bicycle to the elevated handling level, eliminating the need for operators to manually lift heavy bicycles and reducing physical strain and injury risks
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel holder acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the elevated storage system. It receives wheels at ground level, protects them during transport, and delivers them to the handling level, shielding the operator from direct exposure to heavy lifting and potential injuries
3Manufacturing precision
If wheel-size-specific solutions are used, then handling precision is improved, but the quantity of devices required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wheel holder is designed as a universal device that can accommodate wheels of different sizes through its rotation capability and adaptable holding mechanism. A single wheel holder design can handle various wheel diameters and types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized wheel holders for different bicycle categories
4Area of stationary object
If elevated handling is implemented, then space usage is optimized, but the need for lifting mechanisms increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting and rotation functions are merged into a single integrated wheel holder mechanism. The wheel holder simultaneously performs vertical transport to the elevated level and rotational orientation adjustment, combining multiple complex functions into one unified device that reduces overall system complexity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~3
AI summary
Lifting device (1) for an elevated bicycle handling system comprising: a lifting rail (2) extending longitudinally in a lifting direction (L) between a delivery level (4) and a handling level (6). The lifting device (1) comprising a wheel holder (8) for holding a first wheel (104) being movably mounted on said lifting rail (2) between the delivery and the handling levels (4, 6). The wheel holder (8) is further rotatably mounted relative to the lifting rail (2) about a rotation axis (R) perpendicular to said lifting direction (L), between a delivery position in which said wheel holder (8) is facing upwards at said delivery level (4), and a lifting position in which the wheel holder (8) is facing downwards at said handling level (6). The movement of the wheel holder (8) along lifting direction (L) and the rotation thereof are functionally associated to one another to cause the rotation of the wheel holder (8) between the delivery and lifting positions during the movement of said wheel holder (8).