Bicycle Parking Device Using Elastic Lifting and Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle parking devices are either space-consuming, complex, and require significant physical strength or power sources, limiting their usability and convenience, especially when trying to park or retrieve bicycles in vertical positions.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle parking device with a stand and trolley system utilizing an elastic lifting unit and a wheel fixing mechanism that allows bicycles to be easily lifted to a vertical position without requiring high physical strength or power sources, enabling flexible positioning and use in various spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric motor and brake system are used to lift the bicycle, then the bicycle can be reliably lifted to vertical position, but the device complexity and cost increase due to power sources and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electric motor, brake system, and control electronics from the lifting mechanism, extracting only the essential mechanical components needed for bicycle storage. The lifting function is achieved purely through gravitational force and mechanical guidance, eliminating complex power and control systems while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bicycle itself serves as the lifting mechanism through its own weight. When placed on the inclined plane, the bicycle's gravity automatically propels it upward to the vertical storage position without requiring external power sources. The system uses the object being stored to perform the lifting action.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple bicycles are parked in vertical position forming a column structure, then space utilization improves, but the device complexity and space requirements increase due to multiple structural elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the parking system into independent modular units, each capable of storing one or more bicycles. Each module operates autonomously with its own inclined plane and support structure, allowing flexible configuration and reducing overall system complexity compared to a monolithic multi-bicycle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined plane structure serves multiple functions: it acts as the lifting mechanism, the support structure, the guidance rail, and the storage position indicator. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate structural elements needed while maintaining the ability to store multiple bicycles vertically.
3Reliability
If a motor-driven lifting unit with guides is used to move bicycle from horizontal to vertical position, then the parking stability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement of power sources and special parking places
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle's own weight and gravity perform the lifting operation automatically. The user simply places the bicycle on the inclined plane at the bottom, and gravity does the rest, eliminating the need for motors, power sources, or complex control systems while maintaining stable vertical parking.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined plane is designed to create a smooth gravitational transition from horizontal to vertical position. By optimizing the angle and surface of the inclined plane, the system ensures that the bicycle moves naturally and stably throughout the transition without requiring additional energy input or complex stabilization mechanisms.
4Device complexity
If U-shaped horizontal parking stands or wall hooks are used, then the device complexity is low, but the area occupied increases and physical strength is required for lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal parking (occupying floor space) to vertical parking (utilizing vertical wall space). The inclined plane guides the bicycle from a horizontal loading position to a vertical storage position, effectively moving the storage function into the vertical dimension and reducing floor area requirements.
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 device simplifies and stabilizes bicycle parking, reducing the need for power sources and physical effort, allowing for easy conversion between horizontal and vertical positions, enhancing usability in different environments without occupying excessive space.
Implementation Method 1
the lifting unit has at least one elastic element connected with one end to the upper part of the stand, and the other end fixed to the trolley, the at least one elastic element is tight when the trolley is in lower position, and when the bicycle is positioned to its initial parking position, its elasticity ensures the lifting of the trolley to upper position
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to bicycle parking devices, especially to bicycle parking devices for fixing and holding a bicycle, in particular in vertical position. The bicycle parking device comprises a stand (2), trolley (3) mounted in the stand with the possibility to move in it on guides (4) and connected to the lifting unit (5), which is an elastic element connected with the upper end to the upper part of the stand, and the other end is fixed to the trolley where the elastic element is tight when the trolley is in lower position, and when the bicycle is positioned to its initial parking position, its elasticity ensures the lift of the trolley to upper position. When the bicycle is in initial parking position with the wheel placed into a wheel fixing mechanism (6), fixes the wheel and affects the trolley fixing unit (7) in such a way that it releases and allows an elastic element (5) to transfer a bicycle from initial parking position to rear parking, preferably vertical position, and when the bicycle is transferred from rear parking position to initial, preferably, horizontal position, the wheel fixing mechanism (6) releases the wheel and affects the trolley fixing unit (7) transferring a trolley to the fixed position. The trolley fixing unit (7), which may be a hook connected with a wheel fixing mechanism (6) mounted on the trolley (3), is mounted fixedly.