Reconfigurable Bicycle Rack Arm for Single-Handed Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bicycle racks require the use of both hands to manipulate pivoting arms for securing and adjusting bicycle position, making it difficult to hold the bike while opening or closing the rack.
Innovation Solution
A bicycle rack with actuated arms that can be operated with a single hand, featuring an actuator that automatically pivots the arms from a closed to an open position and secures the bicycle using a linear ratchet mechanism, allowing single-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pivoting arms are used to secure bicycles, then the rack structure remains simple, but the user must use both hands to manipulate the arms making it difficult to hold the bike
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism automatically engages and disengages through the cam and lever system. When the user applies force to pivot the arm, the cam profile automatically triggers the retention mechanism to lock or unlock, eliminating the need for separate manual engagement actions and enabling single-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static retention (fixed locked position) to dynamic retention (cam-based progressive engagement). The cam mechanism allows the retention state to change continuously as the arm pivots, providing automatic locking at specific positions without requiring complex multi-component systems.
2Extent of automation
If automatic actuation mechanisms are added to pivot arms, then single-handed operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex powered actuation systems (motors, hydraulics, pneumatics) with a purely mechanical cam-and-lever system. The cam profile converts the user's manual pivoting motion into automatic retention engagement, providing automated locking without requiring external power sources or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user's manual arm movement and the retention system. Instead of directly controlling complex actuators, the user simply pivots the arm, and the cam automatically translates this motion into retention engagement or disengagement, simplifying the user interface while maintaining automation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the arm folds to a stowed position against the frame, then wind resistance and damage risk are reduced, but the user needs both hands to secure the arm in position
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism automatically engages when the arm is pivoted to the stowed position against the frame. The cam profile is designed so that the natural resting position of the folded arm automatically triggers the retention lock, eliminating the need for manual securing actions and enabling single-handed operation while maintaining the protective stowed position.
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
Enables easy loading and unloading of bicycles by allowing single-handed operation of the actuated arms, reducing the need for awkward positions and additional help, and providing secure retention.
Implementation Method 1
the spring is configured to apply a force to the arm to automatically pivot the arm to the open position
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet to retain the arm in the desired position
Data Source
AI summary
A bicycle rack is described with a platform for supporting a bicycle and an arm for securing the bicycle to the platform. The arm rotates or pivots from a closed position adjacent to the platform, to an open position to allow the loading of a bicycle. The arm may also be pivoted past the horizontal to an over-center position and further past horizontal to a lowered position. The arm may be provided with a latch mechanism to limit the rotation of the arm in certain ranges of rotation. The arm may also be provided with an actuator to power the movement of the arm in certain ranges of rotation.