Bicycle Transport Device with Pivoting Upper Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bicycle transport devices for cable cars are cumbersome for loading and unloading, especially with heavier bicycles, as they require additional vertical movement, which is difficult for weaker or smaller individuals, and do not provide a secure hold without impeding cable car operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rigidly connected lower holding device and a pull rod articulated via a coupling rod, featuring support devices for the wheel, which reduces the height change required for loading and unloading, ensuring secure hold and ease of use, and includes a locking mechanism for folding into a parking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both upper and lower holding devices are pivoted to secure the bicycle, then secure hold is guaranteed, but loading and unloading becomes difficult due to additional vertical movement
Solution Approach 1:
The bicycle securing function is divided into two independent parts: the lower holding device remains fixed to provide stable support, while only the upper holding device pivots to engage the bicycle. This segmentation allows the bicycle to be secured reliably through the upper device's movement without requiring the lower device to move, thus maintaining ease of loading and unloading.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having both holding devices pivot as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the lower holding device fixed and allowing only the upper holding device to pivot. This inversion resolves the contradiction by providing secure hold through the upper device's pivoting action while eliminating the additional vertical movement that would complicate loading and unloading.
2Ease of operation
If the lower holding device is rigidly connected to reduce height change, then loading and unloading becomes easier, but secure hold of the bicycle may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is segmented between the fixed lower holding device and the movable upper holding device. The lower device provides stable, fixed support that facilitates easy loading and unloading, while the upper device independently provides the pivoting action necessary for secure bicycle engagement, thus maintaining reliability without compromising ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the device structure is simplified for easier operation, then loading and unloading becomes simpler, but the device may not provide secure hold without impeding cable car operation
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure is segmented into a simplified fixed lower holding device and a movable upper holding device. This segmentation achieves simplicity in the lower device for easy operation while the upper device's pivoting mechanism provides secure hold and ensures cable car operation compatibility without adding overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by making the lower holding device fixed rather than movable. This inversion simplifies the lower device structure for easier operation while the upper device's pivoting action maintains secure hold capability and compatibility with cable car operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for holding or transporting bicycles (7), which device has an upper and a lower holding apparatus (2, 3) for a running wheel (8) of the bicycles (7), which holding apparatuses are mounted on a support (4), wherein the upper holding apparatus (2) is supported on the support (4) so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (11) and wherein the upper and lower holding apparatuses (2, 3) are connected to each other by means of at least one tension bar (18), which is articulated to the upper holding apparatus (2). The lower holding apparatus (3) is rigidly connected to the support (4) during use. The tension bar (18) is articulated to the lower holding apparatus (3) by means of a coupling bar (20), and a lower supporting apparatus (23) for the running wheel (8) is arranged on the tension bar (18) and/or the coupling bar (20).