Bicycle Rack Bag Attachment Sliding Frame Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bikepacking systems face issues with limited lateral and vertical stability and cumbersome installation/removal of bags due to the elimination of traditional racks, leading to semi-permanent attachment and reduced usability.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, rigid frame with a sliding connection to a pivoting bracket clamped to the seat rails and a second pivoting bracket attached to the seat post, allowing for easy installation and removal, along with a sleeve pocket and strap system for securing the bag, providing lateral and vertical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional metal racks are eliminated and bags are attached directly to the bicycle using straps and buckles, then the weight of accessories is reduced, but the lateral and vertical stability of the bag is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the attachment mechanism into separate functional components: a lightweight frame structure segmented into multiple members (front end portion, elongated frame members, bag interfacing portion) and separate attachment assemblies (seat attachment assembly, seat post interface). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the frame provides structural stability while the attachment assemblies enable easy installation and removal without requiring heavy traditional racks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends the attachment system into multiple spatial dimensions by positioning attachment points at both the seat rails (horizontal dimension) and seat post (vertical dimension). The elongated frame members extend between these points, creating a three-dimensional stable structure that prevents lateral and vertical movement of the bag while remaining lightweight.
2Weight of moving object
If bags are attached directly to the bicycle using straps and buckles, then the weight is reduced, but the installation and removal of the bag becomes arduous
Solution Approach 1:
The seat attachment assembly incorporates a dynamic quick-release mechanism that allows the frame to be rapidly installed and removed from the seat rails. This dynamic attachment system eliminates the need for time-consuming threading of straps through tight spaces, enabling users to quickly attach or detach the bag by simply operating the quick-release lever while maintaining secure attachment during cycling.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame acts as an intermediary structure between the bag and the bicycle attachment points. Instead of directly threading straps from the bag through tight spaces under the saddle, the frame provides an intermediate mounting platform that simplifies the attachment process. The bag attaches to the frame, and the frame attaches to the bicycle via the quick-release mechanism at the seat rails.
3Weight of moving object
If a lightweight frame is used instead of a full-fledged metal rack, then the weight is reduced, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with local quality optimization where different portions have different structural characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The front end portion connected to the seat post interface requires high strength to handle vertical loads, while the elongated frame members can be lighter as they primarily provide lateral support. The bag interfacing portion is reinforced locally to securely hold the bag. This localized structural optimization maintains overall strength while minimizing total weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The lightweight frame is constructed using composite materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. By using materials such as aluminum alloys or carbon fiber composites, the frame achieves the necessary structural stability and load-bearing capacity without the weight penalty of traditional steel racks, resolving the contradiction between lightweight construction and structural strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A cycle rack comprises a seat attachment assembly configured for attachment of the rack to rails of a seat. A seat post interface is configured to abut a seat post. A frame has a bag interfacing portion adapted to support a bag, a front end portion connected to the seat post interface, and a pair of elongated frame members extending from the front end portion to the bag interfacing portion. A pair of sliders are connected to the seat attachment assembly, each of the sliders forming a channel for each individually receiving therein a respective one of the elongated frame members so as to allow sliding movement of the elongated frame members relative to the sliders.